17-year-old without a driver's license: drunk driving ends in police check!

17-year-old without a driver's license: drunk driving ends in police check!

On Saturday night, a 17-year-old student from Starnberg went on a daring joyride in his brother's car. The highlight: He didn't have a driver's license and was drunk. As the [Süddeutsche Zeitung](https://www.sueddeutsche.de/muenchen/starnberg/berg-starnberger-see-17-jaehriger- Alcohol-steuer-polizei-li.3302459) reports, the young man was stopped by the police, initially tried to escape, but then quickly gave up.

A breath alcohol test confirmed that the teenager was under the influence of alcohol. The situation is made particularly explosive by the fact that his brother knew nothing about the shocking trip. The perpetrator was ultimately returned to his family, but faces serious legal consequences. He faces charges of driving without a license, unauthorized use of a vehicle and drunk driving.

The dangers of drunk driving

For all drivers, alcohol significantly impairs perception, decision-making ability and speed of reaction. What is particularly tragic is that alcohol is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. According to reports, reaction times can be prolonged and dangers can be perceived from a blood alcohol level of 0.3 per mille. This information is supported by Driver's License Passing, which also addresses the absolute ban on alcohol for novice drivers and drivers under the age of 21.

There is a very clear rule for young drivers like the 17-year-old: no alcohol is allowed. In addition to the seriousness of the crime, it should also be noted that the legal consequences for drunk driving can be severe - from fines to driver's license revocation and, in serious cases, even prison sentences. This is particularly clear in the Bußgeldkatalog, where from 0.5 per mille onwards you are asked to pay a lot.

Legal consequences and prevention

In concrete terms, the young person would have to expect a fine and his first points in Flensburg are also within reach. Such points are not only unpleasant, but can also cost you your driver's license. The laws are clear here: Anyone who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs must expect severe sanctions.

It is also warned that drugs such as cannabis, cocaine or amphetamines can massively impair your ability to drive. In view of the increasing statistics of alcohol and drug-related traffic accidents, in which 228 people died in Germany in 2019 alone, it is clear how important education and prevention are.

The police and road safety authorities continue to call for people to approach the issue of alcohol responsibly and to emphasize that driving under the influence of alcohol can be a danger to yourself and others. Ultimately, it is in everyone's interest that everyone takes the principles of road responsibility seriously. After all, you never know when it will affect you or your loved ones.