Georgia Under 21 Traffic Violations, DUI

Commercial Driver's License | If Under 21

Traffic Violations, DUI, Drunk Driving, Reckless Driving

If you are under 21 years of age...

     ...and you have been given a ticket or have been arrested for a traffic violation, it is very important that you do not simply pay the fine for the ticket(s) and plead guilty to the offense.  There are special penalties for Georgia drivers under 21 years of age and it is imperative that you call and speak to an attorney at Plichta, Alavi & Associates, P.C. to ensure your legal rights and driving privileges are protected to the full extent of the law.  


If you are under 18 years of age...

    ...Your drivers license will be suspended if you accumulate 4 points on your drivers' license in any consecutive twelve (12) month period.  For more information on how many points are associated with specific offenses, see Traffic Violations and Georgia Point System page.  

    In addition to point violation offenses, Georgia will also suspend your drivers license for any serious traffic offenses.  These serious offenses apply to persons regardless of age.  Please see below for the list of offenses.  

    If your driver's license is suspended, the suspension period is for 6 months, during which time there is NO early reinstatement or limited permit.  The driver must complete a Defensive Driving class, retake the driver's examination, and pay a reinstatement fee to have the driver's license reinstated after the 6-month suspension period.  


For drivers ages 18 through 20...    
    
    The traffic laws are a little more lenient, but not by much.  Like a person who is 21 years of age or older, you can accumulate up to 15 points in an 24 consecutive month period before your drivers' license  will be suspended.  BUT, if you are convicted of any traffic violation in which you receive 4 points or more, then your driver's license will be suspended.  Examples of violations with 4 or more points are driving 24+ m.p.h. over the speed limit and reckless driving.  For more information about what points are associated with specific violations see Traffic Violations and Georgia Point System page.
    
    In addition to point violation offenses, the drivers' license may also be suspended for serious traffic offenses that carry mandatory suspensions regardless of age.  These offenses are listed below:

There is an automatic license suspension for the following offenses:

  • homicide by vehicle
  • DUI
  • any felony in commission of which a motor vehicle is used
  • hit and run
  • leaving the scene of an accident
  • racing on highway and streets
  • attempting to elude or fleeing
  • reckless driving
  • purchasing/attempting to purchase alcohol
  • possession of alcohol while driving                                         
  • misrepresenting age/identity/using false identification
  • driving on a revoked or suspended drivers' license and/ or registration
  • driving a motor vehicle without auto insurance


    If your driver's license is suspended for a point violation or a serious traffic offense, that suspension is for 6 months, during which time there is NO early reinstatement or limited permit available.  It is very important for you to call to speak to an attorney at Plichta, Alavi & Associates, P.C. as soon as possible so that your legal rights and your drivers license receive our immediate attention.      


DUI Under 21

     Under Georgia law, a person under 21 years of age cannot operate a motor vehicle or be in control of a motor vehicle when that person’s alcohol concentration is 0.02 grams or more.

     If a person under 21 is convicted of DUI, then in addition to other applicable penalties, the driver will suffer a license revocation for either six (6) months or twelve (12) months, depending on the alcohol concentration.  If the alcohol concentration is less than 0.08 grams and the person has had no other DUI convictions, other “serious driving offenses,” or other suspendable offense convictions, then a 6-month license revocation is allowed.  For all other DUI scenarios, the revocation is for 12 months.  Other penalties aside from a license revocation include fines, community service, DUI school, alcohol counseling, and probation.  A limited permit is not available for a person under 21 years of age convicted of driving under the influence.

     Contact Plichta, Alavi & Associates, P.C. immediately to speak with an experienced attorney if you or a loved one under 21 years of age have been charged with a DUI.

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