In Maine this holiday season, it is important to remember that if you are not old enough to drink, then you are not old enough to transport alcohol in your car.  This means that minors (under 21) are not permitted to knowingly transport alcohol in cars or other motor vehicles that are under their control.  A violation of this rule is considered Illegal Transportation of Alcohol by a Minor.

Illegal Transportation of Alcohol by a Minor is a civil violation.  Penalties for this civil violation include fines and suspension of the minor’s driver’s license.  The amount of the fines and the length of the license suspension depends on the number of prior violations for transporting alcohol illegally.

For a first violation (no priors), the fine can be up to $500.00, and the minor’s driver’s license may be suspended for a period of 30 days.  For a second violation (1 prior), the fine falls between a minimum of $200.00 and a maximum of $500.00, and the minor’s driver’s license may be suspended for a period of 90 days.  For all subsequent violations, the fine falls between a minimum of $400.00 and a maximum of $500.00, and the minor’s driver’s license may be suspended for a period of 1 year.  Moreover, if the minor’s driver’s license is suspended, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles may assign demerit points onto the minor’s driving record.

Overall, while the fine may be modest, the suspension of driving privileges may be the hardest for the minors to endure.  Therefore, it is important for a high school student or under-21 individual to think twice before driving the alcohol to a party with friends from the holiday dinner.  If you have been accused of violating this rule, it is important to fight the violation to preserve your record.  An experienced attorney can fight for your side of the story.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a transportation of alcohol violation, I encourage you to contact The Nielsen Group for your free legal consultation with an experienced lawyer.