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Montgomery County Maryland
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  Department of Health and Human Services
Laws to Know on Underage Drinking

Laws Pertaining to Youth
Did you know that in Montgomery County. . .

If you are under 21 it is illegal to drive or attempt to drive a motor vehicle with 0.02 percent or more blood alcohol (that's less than one drink!).

And if you do...
you may be fined $500, your license may be suspended for one year

If you are under age 21 and are found in possession of alcohol, are in a car with alcohol or are where alcohol is served...
You can receive a civil citation.

If so, and you are under 18, your parents will be notified, you may be fined up to $500 for a first offense. You may be fined up to $1,000 for a second offense.

If you are 18-20 years old, you will be required to appear in court. You may be fined up to $500 for first offense. You may be fined up to $1,000 if second offense. You may be required to do community service hours. You may be placed on probation.

If you present a false I.D. or an I.D. that is not your own to purchase alcoholic beverages or to gain entry to a bar where alcohol is sold you may receive a civil citation and face the above penalties you may receive traffic summons for possession or displaying a false or altered driver's license.

If you receive a traffic summons, you must appear in court and you will need legal representation.

If you are found guilty, you may be jailed for up to 2 months and/or fined up to $500 and you may receive 12 points on your driver's license.

(12 points = LOSE YOUR LICENSE)

If you possess intoxicating beverages on a school ground, your driving priviledge will be suspended for thirty to ninety days.

Be Aware! Similar consequences apply in other jurisdictions!


Laws Pertaining to Adults
Did you know that in Montgomery County. . .

It is illegal for adults to allow underage drinking on property which they own or lease.

If you co-signed your child's application for a driver's license, you can contact the Motor Vehicle Administration and have the license revoked?

If an adult is found guilty of obtaining alcohol for a minor or furnishing alcohol to a minor, the adult is subject to a first-time fine of up to $500?

If an adult is convicted of contributing to delinquency or a violation by a minor (a criminal charge), the adult could be fined up to $2,500 and spend three years in jail? The minor need not be convicted or found delinquent for the adult to be held responsible.

Selling, issuing, or offering for sale blank or incorrect age identification cards can result in a $2,000 fine and up to two years in jail for each card sold?

Possessing a beer keg without a registration affixed, removing the registration form, or permitting an individual under 21 to consume the contents of a keg can result in a $500 fine for the first offense?

Remember, if you are an adult, act like one...be responsible for making a safe environment for our young people.

Last edited: 1/8/2004