Erica Garman at 1:24 p.m., July 2, 2008 (7 comments)
Starting yesterday, Virginia drivers under 21 who have a .02 percent alcohol level -- which for a 150-pound male can mean one drink -- will receive a mandatory one-year suspension of his or her driver's license and a minimum $500 fine.
Last night, I stopped by the Regal Fox Cinemas in Brambleton and asked moviegoers what they thought of the state's new baby DUI penalty.
Kenny Moreland, 21, of Leesburg, agrees with the tougher law. "Minors aren't allowed to drink," he said, "so any alcohol, any open canisters, should mean automatic suspension."
His friend, Anna Brunk, who is a 17-year-old rising senior at Broad Run High School, disagrees. "There should be a punishment for it, but not as strict," she said.
Sixteen-year-olds Bailey Stotka and Brittani Poindexter of South Riding were waiting for a ride home from a parent. The friends weren't aware of the new restrictions, but both thought the consequences sounded fair.
"We shouldn't be drinking at all," said Stotka.
Poindexter chimed in, "Drinking and driving jeopardizes other people."
Sheri Campbell of Bluemont was leaving the theater after seeing a movie with her nephew. "Times have changed," she said. "The tougher law will make drinking and driving more of a deterrent for young people, and I think it'll also make parents more accountable."
Ashburn parents Janice and Joe Lupia were torn on the matter. They have a nine-year-old son away at camp this week.
"In a way, I think [the penalty is] a great thing, but I also think it's a bit strict," said Janice. "Maybe I'll change my mind when my son is of driving age."
"I can see both sides of it," said Joe. "But I don't think you can legislate teens and their sensibilities."
Hubert Pham and Jay Miller, two 20-year-olds from Ashburn, understand why the law was passed.
"I wouldn't call it fair -- it's a precaution," said Pham. "I think it's a way for the state to cover their [insert word that means bases]."
"Drunk driving will always happen, but maybe it will make some kids think twice," added Miller.
Do you think this zero-tolerance penalty will keep kids from drinking and driving?
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I think we should actually allow under age drinking in a home environment. I am not talking about getting drunk but more along the lines of a glass of wine with dinner. Our puritanical society makes under age drinking a huge taboo which IMO actually MAKES teens want to drink. And don't forget that teens ARE going to try and do what adults do. Underage drinking is no where near the problem in Europe, where is is commonly acceptable, as it is here.
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I also don't think the laws are tough enough. Get a DUI even once and send their ass to prison for 3-5 years and take away their license forever.
Posted by t8erman (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Teenagers scare me.
Posted by glastonbury27 (anonymous) on July 2, 2008 at 9:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Of COURSE you can legislate teens - in fact, with the crappy job most adults do of parenting, it's just about a necessity.
Posted by Hoqenishy (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 6:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In todays digital age a criminal record can destroy your life, but what the hell a 20 year old drinking a glass of wine.
Posted by sydnorg (anonymous) on July 3, 2008 at 10:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
FYI, Virginia state code (4.1-306 (A1)(i) >> 4.1-200 (7)(i)) provides an exception that allows parents to serve alcohol in their own home to their own children who are under 21 years old.
Posted by locoroaddog (anonymous) on July 7, 2008 at 3:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The crappy job most adults do of parenting but what the hell a 20 year old drinking a glass of wine.
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Posted by williamrichard28 (anonymous) on September 16, 2008 at 3:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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