Drinking and driving is dangerous, and that’s why there are driving under the influence (DUI) and ignition interlock laws created specifically for each and every state in the USA. Georgia DUI and ignition interlock laws include laws designed specifically for age brackets including under 15, ages 16 to 20, and 21 and older.
Georgia has zero tolerance for drinking drivers under the age of 21, meaning if you are younger than 21 you can’t have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of over 0.02% and still drive. Because Georgia’s Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act (TADRA) allows 15 year olds to begin a graduated license system, there are provisions in Georgia’s DUI laws to cover drivers this young.
Penalties for a first DUI offense under the age of 15 include:
- License suspension until the driver is 17 years old
- Fees payable up to $210
- Attendance at DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk program
Penalties for a first DUI offense between the ages of 16 to 20 include:
- License suspension for six months if you have a BAC of .08 and under or 12 months if your BAC is over .08
- Fines payable up to $210
- Attendance at a DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk program
In Georgia, people between the ages of 16 to 20 are eligible for an ignition interlock device installation if they are found guilty of a second DUI offense. If you are a 16 to 20 year old and are guilty of a second DUI offense, the penalties include:
- License suspension for 18 months
- Fines payable up to $310
- DUI Alcohol or Drug Risk program
- Clinical evaluation and possible drug or alcohol treatment
- With court permission, an ignition interlock installation after 120 days of license suspension
When you are over 21, the penalties for drinking and driving increase. If you are a first offender over the age of 21, you’ll receive:
- License suspension of up to 1 year
- Possible jail time of up to one year
- Fines payable between $300 and $1000
- $210 license reinstatement fee
- Must attend Alcohol or Drug Risk Program
- 40 hours of community service
- Possibility of an ignition interlock installation if you are approved for a restricted driving permit.
Strict DUI and ignition interlock laws like those found in Georgia are designed to keep drinking drivers, including very young drinking drivers, off of the roads. No matter what state you live in or how old you are, stay safe by making the choice to drive sober.