It is illegal except in a few narrow circumstances, such as with parental supervision, for a person under 21 to consume alcohol. Yet under current Texas law, a juvenile may legally drink and drive until blood alcohol content reaches 0.07. This is a clear contradiction that should be corrected when the Legislature convenes in January. In the 38 states that currently have it, zero tolerance has significantly reduced teen-age automobile deaths. Another powerful reason for Texas to adopt a zero tolerance statute for juveniles is that states that do not do so during upcoming legislative sessions will lose 5 percent of federal highway construction dollars.
Nothing is simple, however.
Some fear changes will give law officers too much latitude in making juvenile arrests. Lawmakers will have to debate the best course. Sen. Royce West, a Democrat from Dallas who chaired the Senate Interim Committee on Juvenile Driving While Intoxicated Laws, and Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, are sponsoring separate zero tolerance bills that would subject underage drinkers to fines, driver's license suspension and possible criminal charges. Alcohol awareness classes or community service could also be included. There is no compelling reason to allow people under the age of 21 to drink.