California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Alcohol and DrugsEasy
A 19-year-old driver is pulled over by law enforcement for a traffic violation. During the stop, the officer notices signs of alcohol consumption. If the driver's blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured at 0.01%, what is a likely consequence under California law?
- ATheir driving privilege will be suspended for one year.
- BThey will receive a warning and be advised to avoid alcohol.
- CThey will be required to attend a defensive driving course.
- DThey will be fined, but their license will not be suspended.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Their driving privilege will be suspended for one year.
California's Zero Tolerance Law applies to drivers under 21. Any measurable BAC (0.01% or higher) can lead to a one-year license suspension. This law is strict to deter underage drinking and driving.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Warnings are not typically given under the Zero Tolerance Law for measurable BAC.
- C. While beneficial, a defensive driving course is not the primary penalty for a Zero Tolerance violation.
- D. A license suspension is a mandatory penalty for a Zero Tolerance violation, in addition to potential fines.
Zero Tolerance Law (CA)
For drivers under 21 in California, it is illegal to drive with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system (0.01% BAC or higher).
- Applies to drivers under 21 years old.
- BAC of 0.01% or higher triggers the law.
- Penalties include license suspension.
Memory trick: Zero tolerance means zero fun for underage drivers with even a sip.