Understanding Zero-Tolerance DUI Laws for Minors

Houston has many names. Some people call it H-Town, Space City, and Bayou City; there are all kinds of nicknames. With over 2.3 million people, the city has crazy traffic, and a lot of teens drive around, maybe not thinking about all the rules. So if you’re under 21 and driving with any alcohol, you could get in real trouble fast.

If you, your child, or your guardian has violated the zero-tolerance law, your first instinct should be to contact an underage DUI lawyer in Houston.

Table of Contents

What Is the Zero-Tolerance Policy?

Zero tolerance means any detectable amount of alcohol is illegal if you’re under 21. Even a tiny sip. Not 0.08%, like grown-ups. No. 0.01%? Boom. You’re breaking the law.

It doesn’t matter if you feel fine.
Doesn’t matter if you’re not “drunk.”
It doesn’t matter if it was just one drink at a party.

They can still charge you with DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), depending on your BAC.

It’s illegal. You can get a DUI charge just for having alcohol in your blood.

Penalties for Underage Drivers

There are different penalties for underage drivers:

First Offense

Fine up to $500
License suspension for 60 days
20-40 hours of community service
Alcohol awareness class

Second Offense

Fine up to $500
License suspension for 120 days
40-60 hours of community service
Alcohol awareness course

Third Offense

Class B misdemeanor
Fine $500-$2,000
Up to 180 days in jail
License suspension for 180 days

And it gets even worse if someone dies because of underage drinking and driving. The law calls this intoxication manslaughter. That can be 20 years in prison.

Other Things That Can Get You in Trouble

Even if you’re not driving, you can still get in trouble for:

Having alcohol in your pocket or car
Buying alcohol or trying to buy it
Using a fake ID
Getting someone else to buy alcohol for you

And adults who give you alcohol? They can go to jail and be fined as much as $4,000.

Breath Tests and Refusing

If cops stop you, they can make you do a breath, blood, or urine test. That’s called implied consent. If you refuse:

First time: license suspension for 180 days
Second time: suspension for 2 years

Even if you didn’t drink. Just refusing is enough to get in trouble.

Key Takeaways

Don’t drink and drive, not even a tiny sip.
In Houston, cops take zero tolerance very seriously.
If you’re under 21, any alcohol in your system means trouble.
First offense gets you fines, license loss, community service, and class.
Second and third offenses can earn you bigger fines, longer license loss, and maybe jail.
Even if you’re not driving, having alcohol can get you in trouble.
Refusing a breath test is almost as bad as drinking.
Adults who give you alcohol can get in big trouble, too.