Underage Drinking Will Cost You.

Underage drinking is dangerous. Alcohol kills more young people than cocaine, heroin, and all other illegal drugs combined.* Not only is it physically harmful, it's also against the law. Delaware takes underage drinking violations very seriously, and so should you—the penalties for violating underage drinking laws will cost you.

* Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD): Myths About Alcohol for Teens
Underage DUI—The Zero Tolerance Law

Anyone under age 21 who operates any vehicle while consuming or having consumed any amount of alcohol may be arrested.

  • For first offense, loss of license for two months, or $200 fine if unlicensed
  • A minor under age 18 with a blood alcohol content over .08 loses license until age 21
  • A minor age 18-21 with blood alcohol content over .08 is treated like an adult and will lose his or her license for one year

If you are arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs in Delaware:

  • Impaired driving is a criminal offense. You must appear in court, which is time consuming and embarrassing, and you will have a police record.
  • The officer will take your license at the time of arrest.
  • You will be arrested, handcuffed, taken to a police station and fingerprinted.
  • You will be required to complete an alcohol treatment program with a fee of $600.
  • You will have to pay for attorney fees and court costs. And it will cost you an additional $143.75 to get your license reinstated.
Laws & Penalties

Underage Drinking
Anyone under age 21 possessing, consuming or found having consumed alcohol.

  • Loss of license for 1 month or $100 fine if unlicensed

Using False ID
Anyone who misrepresents themselves, makes up a false statement or uses false identification to obtain alcohol

  • $500 fine or 30 days in jail

Entering Bars or Package Stores Underage
Anyone under age 21 entering or remaining in a bar or liquor store

  • $50 fine

Providing a Minor with Alcohol
Anyone who sells to, delivers to or purchases alcohol for anyone under age 21

  • Up to $500 fine and 40 hours of community service
  • Parents who host parties for minors may also be held liable in civil court.

Visit the Delaware Office of Highway Safety site