Zero Tolerance: Utah's New, Tougher Underage DUI Penalties
Utah law forbids drivers under 21 from having any detectable amount of alcohol in their breath, blood or urine. Last year, the state increased the penalties for failure to comply with "Not A Drop."

June 05, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Zero Tolerance: Utah's New, Tougher Underage DUI Penalties

The Utah law prohibiting people under 21 from drinking and driving is designated as 53-3-231 in Title 53 of the Utah Code. It's more commonly known as "Not A Drop," though - and its nickname tells you exactly how much alcohol a minor driver is allowed to have in their system when they're pulled over by a police officer.

Increased DUI Penalties

The law forbids drivers under 21 from having any detectable amount of alcohol in their breath, blood or urine. Last year, the state increased the penalties for failure to comply with "Not A Drop." Since July of last year, a minor who has alcohol in their system loses their driver's license for 120 days or until they turn 21 years old (whichever is longer).

KSL TV recently talked to a couple of teenagers who were charged under the zero tolerance law. Both were found to have less than the .08 percent blood alcohol content that determines drunk driving for Utah adults. Both teens face the loss of their driving privileges for years.

Sober Isn't Good Enough

Nineteen-year-old Craig Arnoldus told the TV station that he waited until he was sober before driving on the night he'd been drinking. As he found out, sober just isn't good enough when you're less than 21.

After being pulled over for a partially obstructed license plate, he blew a .04 on the Breathalyzer test. As a result, Arnoldus won't be able to drive for two years. He says he's lost his job because he can't drive and that he must take college classes online instead of in person.

Seventeen-year-old Krystal Milliner, who registered a .03 on the Breathalyzer, won't be driving for four years after being pulled over for making an improper left turn. The high school student is now being shuttled between classes and her job by family members.

Senate President Michael Waddoups told KSL that he hopes the harsh penalties spread the word among minors that they can't drink even a drop of alcohol before driving.

Accused of Having a Drop?

If you face charges of driving while impaired under Utah's tough DUI law for minors, call a Utah criminal defense attorney. Because the penalties for DUI are severe, discuss the case with a Utah criminal defense lawyer who can examine the facts, inform you of your options and help you fight to keep your driving privileges.

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