{"id":1629,"date":"2023-01-10T11:25:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T11:25:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/?p=1629"},"modified":"2023-09-19T19:34:05","modified_gmt":"2023-09-19T19:34:05","slug":"what-happens-when-a-teen-gets-a-dui","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freeway.com\/knowledge-center\/auto\/high-risk-auto-insurance\/what-happens-when-a-teen-gets-a-dui\/","title":{"rendered":"What You and Your Teen Can Expect If They\u2019re Stopped for a DUI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As a parent, knowing your teenager is out alone behind the wheel after dark can cause many a sleepless night. But, getting a call from your teen telling you they\u2019ve just been arrested for a DUI<\/a> while driving your car could end up costing you more than a few hours of sleep worrying about your child\u2019s safety. You can expect your already high auto insurance<\/a> rates to go even higher. And, that\u2019s if your insurer doesn\u2019t cancel your policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a parent, you probably are already paying a high car insurance premium for your teen driver. Now, you\u2019ll be looking around for some DUI auto insurance solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving Without DUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications. It’s illegal and dangerous to drive while under the influence. The consequences for a DUI conviction can include fines, jail time, license suspension, and more. The best way to avoid a DUI is to never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Always arrange for a designated driver or use a taxi or ride-sharing service if you have been drinking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zero Tolerance For Any Driver Under 21<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As for your teen driver \u2013 almost every state has a \u201czero tolerance\u201d law that forbids anyone under 21 from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 percent or greater. Depending on the state you reside in, things only get worse from there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Adults can get away with a BAC of below 0.08 percent. Anything above that level qualifies as driving under the influence and may cause a driver to be arrested. But for those under the legal age to drink (21), there is no tolerance for any level above .01 percent. Once convicted, these drivers may have to file an SR-22 certificate<\/a> with the state, labeling them as high-risk drivers. Young drivers are already paying for high-risk car insurance, since as a collective group they get into more car wrecks than other age groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legal Penalties of an Underage DUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most states come down hard on anyone under the age of 21 who is caught drinking (or using any mind-altering substance) while driving. Your teen could be facing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n