Minors, Alcohol and Virginia Law

DID YOU KNOW...?

Alcohol is the most frequently abused drug.

A minor is anyone under 21 years old with respect to beer, wine or liquor.

IT IS A CRIME IN VIRGINIA FOR...

Minors to purchase or possess alcoholic beverages.

Parents or other adults to contribute to the delinquency of a minor in connection with the purchase or use of alcoholic beverages.

Anyone (minors, parents or other adults) to...
Purchase alcoholic beverages for minors.
Sell alcoholic beverages to minors.
Drink alcoholic beverages in a public place (i.e., street or parking lot).
Sell alcoholic beverages without a license to minors or adults, in a home or any other unlicensed place.
Possess a false identification card or birth certificate.
Operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a self-administered drug.

THE PENALTIES CAN BE...

A fine up to $1,000.
A jail sentence of up to one year.
A required bond of up to $1,000.

USE AND LOSE...

A new “use and lose” law, which took effect in Virginia on July 1, 1989, will significantly affect a teenager’s privilege to drive a car, whether or not you now have a driver's license. Here is what it means:

Age 17 or younger: if a judge finds you guilty of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you lose your driver’s license, or your ability to get one, for one year or until age 17, whichever is longer. If this happens again, you lose your license for another year or until age 18, whichever is longer.

Ages 16-17: If a judge finds you guilty of buying or possessing alcohol, you lose your driver’s license, or your ability to apply for one, for six months.

Ages 13-15: If a judge finds you guilty of buying or possessing alcohol, you cannot apply for a driver’s license until age 161/2.

WHAT’S MORE...

Alcohol possessed by minors is deemed to be contraband and may be confiscated by the state.

If personal injury, property damage or death occurs as a result of the illegal use of alcohol by minors, parents and other adults involved could face a costly court action.

The cost and availability of automobile liability insurance also may be affected by alcohol-related negligence or misconduct.

Many localities have curfews that apply to minors in public places at certain hours. Parents should be aware of their local restrictions.

Virginia State Bar
Eighth & Main Building
707 East Main Street, Suite 1500
Richmond, VA 23219-2800
(804) 775-0500

For assistance in finding a lawyer, contact the
VIRGINIA LAWYER REFERRAL SERVICE
1 (800) 552-7977 (Statewide)
(804) 775-0808 (Richmond, VA)
(804) 775-0502 (Voice/TDD)

back to Public Information Pamphlets