Under 21 and Driving
La. R.S. 14:98.6 — a driver under 21 is impaired at 0.02 percent
0.02 is the line under 21. Underage operating while impaired is operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more by someone under the age of 21. A reading of 0.08 percent or more is charged as the adult offense instead.
| Conviction | Fine | Jail |
|---|---|---|
| ConvictionFirst | Fine$100 to $250 | Jail10 days to 3 months |
| ConvictionSecond or later | Fine$250 to $500 | Jail30 days to 6 months |
A first sentence can be probated with 32 hours of community service and a substance abuse and driver improvement program. Separately, a driver under 21 who tests at 0.02 percent or more loses the license for 180 days unless a hearing is asked for within the 30 days.
Sources for this section (3)
- La. R.S. 14:98.6 — Underage operating while impaired
- La. R.S. 32:661 — Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal substance or controlled dangerous substances; implied consent to chemical tests; administering of test and presumptions
- La. R.S. 32:667 — Seizure of license; circumstances; temporary license
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Louisiana attorney.