The legal drinking age is 21, and anyone who law enforcement catches buying or consuming alcohol under that age will face possible prosecution. With that said, it becomes an even more serious crime for someone under age to drink and drive. This is why the penalties in Tennessee are much stricter for those under the age of 21 than for those over the age of 21 who get a DUI.
The Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security explains that the penalties for an underage DUI you will face a license suspension without the possibility of a restricted license, which would provide you with limited driving privileges. The general guideline is a one-year suspension of your driver’s license. You will also pay a fine, and the court may order community service.
To get your license back after suspension, you will have to pay various fees. You may pay a filing fee, reinstatement fee, certification fee and a fee if you did not surrender your license at the time of suspension. You also have to reapply for a license, which will include additional costs.
Keep in mind that this applies only when you receive a charge of driving under the influence. If you were in an accident, especially if you caused serious injury to another person, there is likely to be additional charges and penalties. For example, if someone dies due to an accident you cause, you could face vehicular homicide charges, which come with a three to 10-year suspension. Furthermore, you will also face criminal penalties for any underage drinking and driving incident.
