Transportation Department Backs Clinton's Zero Tolerance Plan

11/14/96

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Frederico Pena today applauded the leadership of President Clinton in fighting underage drinking and driving. Pena announced that the department will implement the President's "zero tolerance" policy with a final regulation aimed at preventing persons under age 21 from driving a motor vehicle with any measurable alcohol in their blood. Last year 2,200 people between the ages 15 and 20 died in alcohol related crashes.

The new rule goes into effect Oct. 1, 1998 and includes the following points:

Applies to all persons under age 21. Sets a legal limit of 0.002 blood alcohol concentration. Provides that having a 0.002 is a violation. Provides for primary enforcement by Police. Authorizes the suspension of a drivers license for violation.

Additionally, the new rule requires States to meet its regulations or they loose federal funding for highway construction. So far 16 states have failed to reply.

Bill Maloney -- The Auto Channel