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Pennsylvania driving lesson · Driving Record and Penalties

Underage drinking, zero tolerance and the Driver's License Compact

A 3-minute lesson from the Pennsylvania course. Read the rules and examples, follow the handbook page references, and check your understanding before you move on.

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Read time
3 minutes
Course unit
Driving Record and Penalties
Checkpoint questions
5
Source pages
88, 89

Traffic crashes are the number one cause of death for U.S. teenagers, and alcohol makes every driving skill worse. Pennsylvania's zero tolerance law treats any measurable alcohol in a driver under 21 as serious, and adults who supply minors pay heavily.

Know the rule

The Zero Tolerance law lowered the DUI BAC for drivers under 21 from .08 to .02.

Handbook p. 88 ↗

First DUI conviction under 21

First DUI conviction under 21
PenaltyAmount
Jail2 days to 6 months
LicenseSuspended for a full year
Fine$500 to $5,000
Handbook p. 88 ↗

Know the rule

Under 21, it's illegal to buy, consume or possess alcohol, or to have alcohol in the vehicle you're driving. In short: no one under 21 may consume, possess or transport alcohol.

Handbook p. 88 ↗

Know the rule

If you're under 21 and arrested and held for blood, breath or urine testing, parental consent is not required, but police will notify your parents.

Handbook p. 88 ↗
Up to $500

Minimum penalty for underage drinking: a fine of up to $500 plus court costs; courts may also order evaluation, education or counseling

Handbook p. 88 ↗

Adults who knowingly supply alcohol to minors

Adults who knowingly supply alcohol to minors
OffensePenalty
FirstFine of at least $1,000, up to 1 year in jail
Each additional$2,500 fine
Party with 17 teen drinkers$1,000 + 16 x $2,500 = $41,000
Handbook p. 88 ↗

Know the rule

Adults, even parents, are liable for guests who drink in their homes.

Handbook p. 88 ↗

Driver's License Compact: main provisions

  • One license: surrender your out-of-state license when you apply in a new state
  • One record: your complete record is kept by your home state
  • Traffic convictions and suspensions of out-of-state drivers are reported to the home state
  • Offenses in other member states are treated as if committed at home
Handbook p. 88 ↗

Out-of-state offenses PA treats as if committed here

  • Manslaughter or negligent homicide while operating a vehicle
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics to the point of being unable to drive safely
  • Failing to stop and render aid after a crash causing death or injury
  • Any felony committed using a vehicle
Handbook p. 88 ↗

Know the rule

Not responding to an out-of-state citation results in indefinite suspension of your PA driving privilege until you respond.

Handbook p. 89 ↗

Put it into practice

You're 19 and a friend leaves an unopened six-pack in your car. Even if you haven't had a drink, having alcohol in the vehicle you're driving is illegal for anyone under 21.

Check your understanding

Read the question, decide on an answer, then open it to check the explanation. These are Roadwise study questions based on the source handbook.

The Zero Tolerance law lowered the DUI blood alcohol level for drivers under 21 to .02 from what level?
  1. .10
  2. .05
  3. .08
  4. .04

Answer: .08

The Zero Tolerance law reduced the BAC from .08 to .02 for minors (under 21) charged with DUI.

Handbook p. 88 ↗
If convicted of DUI for the first time under age 21, what license suspension applies?
  1. 6 months
  2. 90 days
  3. 2 years
  4. One year

Answer: One year

A first-time under-21 DUI conviction results in a full year's suspension.

Handbook p. 88 ↗
According to the handbook, what is the minimum penalty for underage drinking?
  1. Up to $500 plus court costs
  2. Up to $50
  3. Up to $2,000
  4. No fine, only community service

Answer: Up to $500 plus court costs

Underage drinking, even without driving, carries a fine of up to $500 plus court costs.

Handbook p. 88 ↗
What penalty can an adult face for knowingly supplying alcohol to minors, for a first offense?
  1. A warning only
  2. At least $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail
  3. A fine of up to $500
  4. License suspension only, no fine

Answer: At least $1,000 and up to 1 year in jail

Adults who supply alcohol to minors face at least a $1,000 fine and possible jail time.

Handbook p. 88 ↗
Under Pennsylvania's Zero Tolerance law, a driver under 21 is considered DUI only at a BAC of .05 or higher.
  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

The Zero Tolerance law sets the DUI level for drivers under 21 at .02, not .05.

Handbook p. 88 ↗
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