Why Are There Zero Tolerance Laws?

Zero Tolerance laws may seem tough, but they were created to protect young and inexperienced drivers.

Young drivers (those from 16-20 years old) already have the highest risk of being killed in a vehicle accident than any other age group. This can be attributed to their lack of driving experience. But if you add alcohol to the mix, the statistics are even scarier.

Accident Rates For Underage Drinking

Research has shown that alcohol is involved in twice as many motor vehicle accidents for drivers under the age of 21 than any other age group. The risk of being in a fatal crash is greater at low alcohol levels for younger drivers than for older drivers.

According to a study conducted by U.S. Department of Transportation, NHTSA, in states that had enacted zero tolerance laws, nighttime fatal crashes involving persons under the age of 21 dropped by 16 percent.

Consequences Of Violating Zero Tolerance

The consequences of underage drivers being arrested for drinking and driving should be enough to make them put down that beer or cocktail. A blood alcohol content of as little as .01 will result in the driver's license being suspended for at least six months.

This is seen as an incentive to follow the law – after all, what teenager wants to lose the driving privileges they waited so long to receive?
If that is not bad enough, there are fines to pay after being arrested and before the driver's license is returned.

Zero Tolerance laws serve two purposes. One is to keep the roads safe for everyone by keeping underage drivers from drinking and driving. The other is to deter these minors from making dangerous decisions that will affect their driving privileges and wallet.