California DMV Permit Test (Class C)Alcohol and DrugsEasy
A 20-year-old driver is pulled over for a traffic violation. During the stop, the officer detects a faint odor of alcohol. A preliminary alcohol screening (PAS) test indicates a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.02%. Under California's Zero Tolerance Law, what is the most likely immediate outcome for this driver?
- AA citation for underage drinking, but no driving penalty.
- BA verbal warning and advisement to avoid alcohol.
- CA requirement to attend an alcohol education program.
- DAn immediate 1-year suspension of their driving privilege.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. An immediate 1-year suspension of their driving privilege.
California's Zero Tolerance Law applies to drivers under 21. Any measurable BAC (0.01% or higher) detected in a driver under 21 results in an immediate suspension of their driving privilege for 1 year, even without being legally impaired for DUI.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is incorrect. While an underage drinking citation might also occur, the primary and immediate driving penalty is the license suspension.
- B. This is incorrect. The Zero Tolerance Law has strict penalties for any measurable alcohol for drivers under 21.
- C. This is incorrect. An alcohol education program is often part of a DUI conviction, but the immediate outcome for a Zero Tolerance violation is license suspension.
Zero Tolerance Law (Under 21 CA)
California's Zero Tolerance Law prohibits anyone under 21 from driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01% or higher. Violation results in immediate license suspension.
- Applies only to drivers under 21.
- BAC of 0.01% or more is a violation.
- Penalty is an immediate 1-year license suspension.
Memory trick: Under 21, even a drop of alcohol behind the wheel means your license will stall.