When you have a newly permitted driver in your home, it can be quite frightening. You’ve known this day is coming for 15 years now, and part of you is excited. After all, you have someone else to drive now. You’re worried about safety, and your child being reactive behind the wheel. But at the same time… Fourth of July is coming up and your child/newly permitted driver might just make it easier for you to have a good time. After all, you don’t have to drive. So, why not? Well, actually you are still considered the responsible party. This means that impaired supervising, is still not allowed. You must be alert, sober, and proactive for your new driver. So, even when just supervising a new driver, you can still face penalty for impairment.
Impaired Supervising: Can I Still Face Charges From the Passenger Side?
Let’s say you are having barbecue at your house this weekend. While grilling and entertaining guest, you have a few beers. But about half way through grilling, you realize you don’t have any buns. So you ask your newly permitted driver to take you to the store for those forgotten items. You hop in the car and ride with him to the store…
Is this legal?
Not if you are at or above the legal limit. Because, just as the state considers you too impaired to drive, it also considers you too impaired to supervise a driver.
What Penalties Can I Face?
While it is not quite the same as a DWI, the state may treat it like one. By that standard, you can face the same penalties for impaired supervising as you can for impaired driving. For example, the court may decide to revoke your license and you may face fines similar to a DWI. In fact, when filing the paperwork for your charge, an officer has the ability to substitute the word “supervisor” for driver.
What Does the Law Say?
According to this law, it is unlawful for a person to serve as a supervising driver or as an approved instructor while under the influence of an impairing substance or after having consumed sufficient alcohol to have a concentration of .08 or more. So for any parents who are preparing to have a young driver, be sure you stay sober while riding with them. Although you aren’t driving, you are the responsible party. Therefore, you can face similar punishments for impaired supervising as you can a DWI.
