Underage and Facing DUI Charges

Regarding DUIs, Canada is renowned for its strict laws. People with DUIs may not be allowed to enter Canada since it views impaired driving as a felony. Even more stringent is the Alberta Zero Alcohol Tolerance Program (AZAT). Drivers having Learner Class 7 or Graduated Class 5 licenses, regardless of age, are required to have a blood alcohol content of zero when operating a motor vehicle, failing which they will be automatically suspended for one month. The purpose of zero tolerance rules is to prevent drunk driving for all drivers.

However, what would happen if you were given a DUI while underage?

Justice for Juveniles

You will probably face a juvenile trial if you are arrested for DUI while under the legal drinking age, which varies by province.

You may be subject to severe legal repercussions even though some courts offer DUI diversion programs, which enable DUI defendants to enter a plea to a reduced charge or have their charges dropped under specific circumstances. These penalties can be combined and include community service, incarceration in a juvenile detention facility, and criminal fines ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars.

Unless you are able to expunge your record—which you typically only have one chance to do—your DUI could result in a criminal record.

DUI Penalties

For minors found driving after drinking, less severe sanctions include license demerits, a 30-day suspension for the first offense, and a 90-day ban for the second offense. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will also need to reapply to the graduated licensing program.

If and when your license is restored, you might also need to install an ignition interlock device before you can operate your car. Although courts have been seen to assign these devices in cases of adolescent DUI, they are typically reserved for serious or recurrent offenders.

Limitations on Travel

If you wish to relocate or even travel abroad, having a conviction for driving while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics might be quite problematic. Although any nation may, in general, deny entry based on any kind of criminal history, the following nations may pose unique challenges for individuals with DUI convictions: the United States, China, Japan, Malaysia, Dubai and the Persian Gulf Countries, Iran, Mexico, and New Zealand.