What can happen if you are under 21 and have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system while driving?

If you are under 21 and have any detectable amount of alcohol in your system while driving, you can be charged with driving under the influence of alcohol by a minor. This offense is specifically designed to address the legal drinking age in Texas, where individuals under 21 are prohibited from consuming alcohol. The laws are strict to deter underage drinking and driving, recognizing the heightened risks associated with combining these behaviors.

Having a detectable amount of alcohol, even below the legal limit for adults, can result in serious consequences. In Texas, this can include fines, license suspension, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs. The law reflects a zero-tolerance approach aimed at protecting both the young drivers themselves and the public from potential hazards on the road.