A 19-year-old driver is stopped by law enforcement for driving with a burnt-out headlight. A preliminary breath test shows a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of . Even though the driver shows no signs of physical impairment and passes all standard field sobriety tests, which administrative consequence applies under Zero Tolerance laws?
- AThe driver is exempt from penalty because physical coordination was fully maintained during sobriety tests.
- The driver's license will be administratively suspended because operating a vehicle with a measurable BAC at or above is illegal for drivers under 21.Answer
- CThe driver receives only a minor traffic infraction for the headlight, as Zero Tolerance penalties only take effect at the adult limit of BAC.
- DThe driver will be required to retake the written driving examination, but no license suspension will occur for a first offense below BAC.
Answer
The driver's license will be administratively suspended because Zero Tolerance laws set strict BAC limits for drivers under 21, making any measurable BAC unlawful regardless of physical impairment.
Zero Tolerance laws make it illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to operate a motor vehicle with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system (typically to BAC or higher depending on state law). Because Zero Tolerance is a strict liability regulation, administrative penalties such as license suspension apply based solely on the BAC chemical test result, regardless of whether the driver passed field sobriety tests or appeared un-impaired.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Zero Tolerance Laws for Underage Drivers
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