Underage drinking is a growing problem in the United States. Drinking and driving incidents involving young people are on the rise. Teens need to be informed of the dangers and consequences of underage drinking, especially if they’re licensed drivers who may get behind the wheel. Many states have now adopted some form of a zero tolerance law when it comes to underage OWIs.
An Iowa underage OWI carries both administrative penalties and criminal consequences if you’re convicted. If you’re pulled over and your BAC is .02% or higher you can be subjected to an administrative license revocation. They will automatically suspend your license for 60 to 90 days depending on the number of offenses.
If convicted of an Iowa underage OWI, you will be subjected to the same criminal punishments as any other OWI offender. For your first offense, if your BAC is under .08%, your license will be suspended for 6 months and you will not be eligible for a temporary restricted license for 60 days. You can obtain a temporary restricted license with the use of an ignition interlock device. If your BAC is above .08%, fines of $625 to $1,250 and jail time of 2 days to a year will be added to your suspension time.
On top of the administrative and criminal punishments for the Iowa underage OWI, you can be subjected to other penalties from charges such as minor in possession or soliciting alcohol. Driving under the influence will be punished quickly and harshly, especially if you’re underage. You will not be given a pass for being young, you will be punished to the full extent of the law.
Parents make sure you discuss the responsibilities associated with being a licensed driver with your children, including making wise choices when it comes to drugs and/or alcohol. Let them fly, but make sure they’re flying safely.
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