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KSL has long championed strict DUI laws. There is simply no excuse for anyone to endanger the lives of others by getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using mind-altering drugs. Zero tolerance is our prevailing view.
That said, Utah's "Not a Drop DUI Law" enacted a year ago, has taken zero tolerance as it affects young drivers to an extreme penal level.
As it should be, it is illegal for a minor to drink any alcohol and drive. No argument there! But the penalties attached to the crime appear to be excessively punitive and loaded with unintended consequences.
An adult caught driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 will lose their driver license for 120 days, or four months on the first offense. A teenager, on-the-other-hand caught with even a breath of alcohol could lose driving privileges for 120 days or until they're 21-years-old, whichever is longer. For a 16-year-old, that would be five-years. No room for recourse! No opportunity for redemption! The policy is absolute zero tolerance.
KSL agrees that strong messages need to be sent about driving after drinking. When it comes to young, malleable minds, though, judges should have latitude to dispense punishment commensurate to the crime. It is a delicate issue, but one the legislature should revisit soon.
