In California, if you are a minor (under the age of 21) convicted of a criminal offense involving drugs and/or alcohol, you will lose your driver’s license for a period of one year.
Vehicle Code Section 13202 requires the court, upon conviction, to suspend the minor’s driving privilege for one year. If the minor does not yet have a license, the minor’s ability to obtain a license will be suspended for one year.
The following is a list of the most common offenses involving minors requiring a one year license suspension:
- Health and Safety Code 11357(b) – possession of marijuana under an ounce
- Health and Safety Code 11357(c) – possession of marijuana more than an ounce
- Business and Professions Code 25658(b) – purchase of alcohol by a minor
- Business and Professions Code 25661 – false evidence of age and identity (fake ID)
- Business and Professions Code 25662 – minor in possession of alcohol
- Vehicle Code 23152 – DUI; driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Vehicle Code 23103 per 23103.5 – reckless driving involving alcohol
- Penal Code 647(f) – drunk in public
Can I Get A Restricted License? Yes. The court has the authority to modify the suspension to a restricted license upon a showing of “critical need.”
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