<section number="53-3-231"><effdate>7/1/2026</effdate><histories><history>Amended by Chapter <modchap sess="2026GS">337</modchap>, 2026 General Session</history><modyear>2026</modyear></histories><catchline>Person under 21 may not operate a vehicle or motorboat with detectable alcohol in body -- Chemical test procedures -- Temporary license -- Hearing and decision -- Suspension of license or operating privilege -- Fees -- Judicial review -- Referral to local substance abuse authority or program.</catchline><subsection number="53-3-231(1)"><subsection number="53-3-231(1)(a)">As used in this section:<subsection number="53-3-231(1)(a)(i)">"Local substance abuse authority" means the same as that term is defined in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="62A-15-102" start="0">62A-15-102</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(1)(a)(ii)">"Substance abuse program" means a substance abuse program licensed by the Department of Human Services or the Department of Health and approved by the local substance abuse authority.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(1)(b)">Calculations of blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration under this section shall be made in accordance with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="41-6a-502(1)" start="0">41-6a-502(1)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(2)"><subsection number="53-3-231(2)(a)">An individual younger than 21 years old may not operate or be in actual physical control of a vehicle or motorboat with any measurable blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration in the individual's body as shown by a chemical test.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(2)(b)">An individual who violates Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>, in addition to any other applicable penalties arising out of the incident, shall have the individual's operator license denied or suspended as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(7)" start="0">(7)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(3)"><subsection number="53-3-231(3)(a)">When a peace officer has reasonable grounds to believe that an individual may be violating or has violated Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, the peace officer may, when arresting the individual for a violation of Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="32B-4-409" start="0">32B-4-409</xref>, request that the individual submit to a chemical test or tests to be administered in compliance with Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="41-6a-520" start="0">41-6a-520</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(3)(b)">The peace officer shall advise an individual before the individual's submission to a chemical test that a test result indicating a violation of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref> will result in denial or suspension of the individual's license to operate a motor vehicle or a refusal to issue a license.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(3)(c)">If the individual submits to a chemical test and the test results show a blood, breath, or urine alcohol content in violation of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>, or if a peace officer determines, based on reasonable grounds, that the individual is otherwise in violation of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>, a peace officer shall, on behalf of the division and within 24 hours of the arrest, give notice of the division's intention to deny or suspend the individual's license to operate a vehicle or refusal to issue a license under this section.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(4)">When a peace officer gives notice on behalf of the division, the peace officer shall supply to the operator, in a manner specified by the division, basic information regarding how to obtain a prompt hearing before the division.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(5)">As a matter of procedure, a peace officer shall send to the division within 10 calendar days after the day on which the peace officer provides notice:<subsection number="53-3-231(5)(a)">a copy of the citation issued for the offense;</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(5)(b)">a signed report in a manner specified by the division showing the chemical test results, if any; and</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(5)(c)">any other basis for a peace officer's determination that the individual has violated Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)"><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(a)"><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(a)(i)">Upon request by an individual, in a manner specified by the division, the division shall grant to the individual an opportunity to be heard within 45 days after the date of arrest under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="32B-4-409" start="0">32B-4-409</xref>.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(a)(ii)">The individual shall request a hearing described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(6)(a)(i)">(6)(a)(i)</xref> within 10 calendar days after the day on which the peace officer provides notice.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(b)"><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(b)(i)">Except as provided in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(6)(b)(ii)" start="0">(6)(b)(ii)</xref>, if the division holds a hearing, the division shall hold the hearing in:<subsection number="53-3-231(6)(b)(i)(A)">the county in which the arrest occurred; or</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(b)(i)(B)">a county that is adjacent to the county in which the arrest occurred.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(b)(ii)">The division may hold a hearing in another county if the division and the individual both agree.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(c)">The division shall document the hearing and shall cover the issues of:<subsection number="53-3-231(6)(c)(i)">whether a peace officer had reasonable grounds to believe the individual was operating a motor vehicle or motorboat in violation of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(c)(ii)">whether the individual refused to submit to a test; and</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(c)(iii)">the test results, if any.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(d)">In connection with a hearing, the division or the division's authorized agent may: <subsection number="53-3-231(6)(d)(i)">administer oaths and issue subpoenas for the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant documents; and</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(d)(ii)">issue subpoenas for the attendance of necessary peace officers.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(e)">One or more members of the division may conduct the hearing.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(6)(f)">After a hearing, a determination made by an authorized agent is valid and binding as if made by the division.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(7)">If, after a hearing, the division determines that a peace officer had reasonable grounds to believe that the individual was driving a motor vehicle in violation of Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>, if the individual fails to appear before the division as required in the notice, or if the individual does not request a hearing under this section, the division shall for an individual under 21 years old on the date of arrest:<subsection number="53-3-231(7)(a)">deny the individual's license until the individual complies with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(10)(b)(i)" start="0">(10)(b)(i)</xref> but for a period of not less than six months beginning on the 60th day after the date of arrest for a first offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>;</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(7)(b)">suspend the individual's license until the individual complies with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(10)(b)(i)" start="0">(10)(b)(i)</xref> and until the individual is 21 years old or for a period of two years, whichever is longer, beginning on the 60th day after the date of arrest for a second or subsequent offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref> within 10 years of a prior denial or suspension;</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(7)(c)">deny the individual's application for a license or learner's permit until the individual complies with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(10)(b)(i)" start="0">(10)(b)(i)</xref> but for a period of not less than six months beginning on the 60th day after the date of the arrest, if:<subsection number="53-3-231(7)(c)(i)">the individual has not been issued an operator license; and</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(7)(c)(ii)">the suspension is for a first offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref>; and</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(7)(d)">deny the individual's application for a license or learner's permit until the individual complies with Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(10)(b)(i)" start="0">(10)(b)(i)</xref> and until the individual is 21 years old or for a period of two years, whichever is longer, beginning on the 60th day after the date of the arrest, if:<subsection number="53-3-231(7)(d)(i)">the individual has not been issued an operator license; and</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(7)(d)(ii)">the suspension is for a second or subsequent offense under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref> committed within 10 years of a prior denial or suspension.</subsection></subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(8)"><subsection number="53-3-231(8)(a)"><subsection number="53-3-231(8)(a)(i)">Following denial or suspension the division shall assess against an individual, in addition to any fee imposed under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-205(12)" start="0">53-3-205(12)</xref>, a fee under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53-3-105" start="0">53-3-105</xref>, which shall be paid before the person's driving privilege is reinstated, to cover administrative costs.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(8)(a)(ii)">The division shall void the fee described in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(8)(a)(i)">(8)(a)(i)</xref> if the individual obtains an unappealed division hearing or court decision that the suspension was improper.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(8)(b)">An individual whose operator license has been denied, suspended, or postponed by the division under this section following an administrative hearing may file a petition for judicial review as described in Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53-3-224">53-3-224</xref> within 30 days after the day on which the division issues a suspension order.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(9)">After reinstatement of an operator license for a first offense under this section, a report authorized under Section <xref depth="3" refnumber="53-3-104" start="0">53-3-104</xref> may not contain evidence of the denial or suspension of the individual's operator license under this section if the individual has not been convicted of any other offense for which the denial or suspension may be extended.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)"><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(a)">In addition to the penalties in Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(8)" start="0">(8)</xref>, an individual who violates Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref> shall:<subsection number="53-3-231(10)(a)(i)">obtain an assessment and recommendation for appropriate action from a substance abuse program, but any associated costs shall be the individual's responsibility; or</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(a)(ii)">be referred by the division to the local substance abuse authority for an assessment and recommendation for appropriate action.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(b)"><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(b)(i)">Reinstatement of the individual's operator license or the right to obtain an operator license within five years of the effective date of the license sanction under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(7)" start="0">(7)</xref> is contingent upon successful completion of the action recommended by the local substance abuse authority or the substance abuse program.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(b)(ii)">The local substance abuse authority's or the substance abuse program's recommended action shall be determined by an assessment of the individual's alcohol abuse and may include:<subsection number="53-3-231(10)(b)(ii)(A)">a targeted education and prevention program;</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(b)(ii)(B)">an early intervention program; or</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(b)(ii)(C)">a substance abuse treatment program.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(b)(iii)">Successful completion of the recommended action shall be determined by standards established by the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(c)">At the conclusion of the penalty period imposed under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)" start="0">(2)</xref>, the local substance abuse authority or the substance abuse program shall notify the division of the individual's status regarding completion of the recommended action.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(d)">The local substance abuse authorities and the substance abuse programs shall cooperate with the division in:<subsection number="53-3-231(10)(d)(i)">conducting the assessments;</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(d)(ii)">making appropriate recommendations for action; and</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(d)(iii)">notifying the division about the individual's status regarding completion of the recommended action.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)"><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)(i)">The local substance abuse authority is responsible for the cost of the assessment of the individual's alcohol abuse, if the assessment is conducted by the local substance abuse authority.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)(ii)">The local substance abuse authority or a substance abuse program selected by an individual is responsible for:<subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)(ii)(A)">conducting an assessment of the individual's alcohol abuse; and</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)(ii)(B)">for making a referral to an appropriate program on the basis of the findings of the assessment.</subsection></subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)(iii)"><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)(iii)(A)">The individual who violated Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(2)(a)" start="0">(2)(a)</xref> is responsible for all costs and fees associated with the recommended program to which the individual selected or is referred.</subsection><subsection number="53-3-231(10)(e)(iii)(B)">The costs and fees under Subsection <xref depth="4" refnumber="53-3-231(10)(e)(iii)(A)" start="0">(10)(e)(iii)(A)</xref> shall be based on a sliding scale consistent with the local substance abuse authority's policies and practices regarding fees for services or determined by the substance abuse program.</subsection></subsection></subsection></subsection></section>