Drivers Under 21 Could Lose Licenses for Drug Offenses

Legislation that would “sting” motorists under age 21 by suspending their licenses for a year upon conviction of any offenses involving alcohol or illegal drugs was proposed in the Senate on Monday.

“The driver’s license is a prized possession for a young person,” said Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles). “The thought of not being able to drive for a year will be a significant sting to remind youth that driving is a privilege.”

If the measure becomes law, it would also be a significant departure from longstanding California tradition because a non-driving offense, such as being drunk at a public beach, could be grounds for suspending a driver’s license.

Historically, suspension, revocation or restrictions on a motor vehicle operator’s permit stem from circumstances that are related directly to driving.

“The philosophy of tying a non-related offense to the driving privilege is a concern to us,” said a Department of Motor Vehicles official who asked not to be named. He said the Deukmejian Administration had not yet taken a position on the bill.

Oregon has a similar law that applies to drivers under 18 instead of 21. The Oregon Division of Motor Vehicles last year suspended the licenses of 1,760 teen-age motorists, most of them for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a spokesman said.

Under Torres’ bill, the first conviction of a driver under 21 for use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs could bring a one-year suspension. With later convictions, the suspension could be imposed until the offender reaches 21.

If a 15-year-old without a license violated the proposed law, he or she would automatically face a one-year delay in applying for a driver’s license. Drug or alcohol offenses by youngsters under 15 would not be covered by Torres’ bill.

Endorsed by Teen-Ager

At a press conference, Jeff Farley, 19, of Sacramento, who described himself as a recovering drug addict and alcoholic, endorsed the bill and said that if it becomes law, “I believe about 85% of the students who are borderline partyers are going to definitely think twice” before using alcohol or illegal chemicals.

Offenses leading to a license suspension would include possession of alcohol in a public place, purchase of alcohol by a person under 21, possession of less than one ounce of marijuana, driving with an open alcoholic beverage container in the vehicle and carrying of such beverages by a minor driver or passenger.

Carla Low, representing Californians for Drug-free Youth, said a one-year license suspension would give young people who reject drugs and alcohol a “believable excuse” that would be understood and accepted by their peers.

“They won’t consider that he is wimping out when he says, ‘Hey, I can’t afford the thought of losing my license. Have mom drive me to the Senior Ball,’ ” Low said.