Condition Q Violation

In Maine, it is perfectly legal for an adult to consume alcohol and drive. It’s only illegal to be impaired by alcohol or be a 0.08 or greater. However, if you haven’t reached the age of 21 and you drive a vehicle with any amount of alcohol in your blood, you have committed a crime and may be charged with a conditional license violation.  As a result, you are looking at a one year loss of license that will be imposed by the Bureau of Motor vehicles.

It’s important to keep in mind that even though you’re over the age of 18 and therefore an adult, you cannot consume alcohol and drive. If you’ve been drinking, are under the age of 21 and stopped by law enforcement, you will be arrested. If you blow a 0.01% BrAC or greater, the BMV will suspend your license. So even though you may not be facing a DUI charge, the penalty for this crime is much more severe than the likely penalty imposed on an adult who blows a .08% BrAC. Maine takes underage drinking and driving seriously and so should you.

So keep that in mind when you decide to go out and have a couple of beers with your buddies. Do not get behind the wheel after you’ve been drinking if you’re impaired or you’re under the age of 21. If you’ve been arrested for violation of a conditional license, please call my office to discuss your case. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thank you.

Posted on November 22, 2011 at 1:12 pm

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Categories: drunk driving, Maine OUI, Underage Drinking and Driving
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The Law Office of William T. Bly
OUI - Operating Under the Influence.
This is Maine's legal definition for drunk driving. OUI includes automobiles, snowmobiles, watercraft and ATVs. OUI encompasses drug impaired driving as well as drunk driving.
DWI - Driving While Intoxicated.
This term is used in some jurisdictions to describe drunk driving, including New Hampshire.
DUI - Driving Under the Influence.
This is the most commonly used term in most jurisdictions throughout the U.S. to describe drunk driving.
OWI - Operating While Intoxicated.
This term is used by only a few jurisdictions to describe drunk driving.

For simplicity sake, DUI & OUI will be used interchangeably on this website.

This website is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship between you and The Law Office of William T. Bly. Any form of communication with us does not create or establish an attorney-client relationship. Out of state visitors should consult competent local counsel in their local jurisdictions as local laws and rules may vary from state to state.