Offenses Related to Underage Drinking

Purchase or Attempted Purchase of Alcohol by a Minor

• Any person under age 21 convicted of violating the Liquor Control Act of 1934 for the illegal purchase, attempting to purchase, accepting, possession or consumption of alcohol will have his/her driving privileges suspended or revoked for 1 year.

Providing Alcohol to a Person Under 21

• Class A misdemeanor with possible 0-12 months imprisonment; fines of $500-$2,500.

Parental Responsibility

Applies to parents or guardians knowingly allowing underage consumption of alcoholic beverages at gatherings at a residence.

• Class A misdemeanor with possible 0-12 months imprisonment; fines of $500-$2,500.

Illegal Transportation

• • Offenders may have their driving privileges suspended for 1 year for a first offense and revoked for a subsequent offense.

Hotel/Motel Responsibility

Applies to any hotel/motel employee who rents a room to a person under age 21 knowing that alcoholic beverages will be consumed there; or any person age 21 or older paying for a hotel room or facility knowing alcoholic beverages will be consumed there by individuals under age 21.

• Class A misdemeanor with 0-12 months imprisonment; fines of up to $2,500.
• Persons over age 21 paying for the hotel/motel room are held liable for any injuries or damage to persons or property caused by the underage drinker(s).

Accidents Causing Injury or Death

• Any person under age 18 who has been charged with an offense as a result of an accident in which a passenger was seriously injured or killed may be denied a driver’s license or license renewal by the Secretary of State’s office.

“Use It & Lose It”/Zero Tolerance Violations PDF

This edition of the DUI Fact Book is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. This manual does not cover every aspect of Illinois' DUI laws and should not be cited as a legal authority in court.