This section includes a brief description of selected California law on alcohol as it applies to adult provision and teen possession and/or use.
| Description | Section Number Links to the California Law Document | |
| Health and Safety Code The purchase, possession, or use of alcohol by anyone under 21 years old is illegal. |
Section 11999 (e) |
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| California Civil Code: Teen Alcohol Safety Act This section of the California Civil Code provides that an adult who knowingly furnishes alcohol to a person under 21 may be held financially liable for damages if injury or death results from the underage drinking that the adult allowed to occur. |
Section 1714 (a - d) |
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| AB 1407: Amendment to above California Civil Code: Teen Alcohol Safety Act AB 1407 amends the Teen Alcohol Safety Act (above) to allow for financial liability of an adult who knowingly furnishes alcohol at his or her residence to a person whom he or she knows – or should have known – to be under 21, if injury or death results from the underage drinking. It also amends the Teen Alcohol Safety Act to include that a claim may be brought by, or on behalf of, the person under 21 years of age or by a person who was harmed by the person under 21 years of age. |
Section 1714 (a - d) |
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| California Business and Professions Code Because the legal drinking age in California is 21, the following apply: Purchasing or furnishing alcohol for anyone under that age is illegal [Section 25658 (a)]. Limited immunity from criminal prosecution for purchasing or consuming alcohol may be granted to a person under the age of 21 if that persons calls 911 to report that either he/she or another person is in need of medical assistance because of alcohol consumption [Section 25667]. People under 21 years old (minors) are not permitted to possess alcohol in public places, including (but not limited to) state highways, public streets, or in and around schools [Section 25662]. Minors also must abide by city and county ordinances that prohibit everyone from consuming alcoholic beverages in public parks or recreation areas. It is illegal for a minor use a fake I.D. to purchase alcohol or to get into a business where alcohol is served [Section 25661(a)]. |
Section 25657-25667 |
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| California Vehicle Code: Closed Container It is illegal to carry even a closed container of alcohol in a vehicle if anyone – driver or passenger – is under 21 unless the person is accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult designated by the parent or guardian. |
Section 23224 |
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| California Vehicle Code: Zero Tolerance It is illegal for a driver under the age of 21 to have any measurable amount of alcohol. This offense carries both a fine and a one-year driver’s license suspension or a one-year delay of the offender’s driving privilege if that underage person does not yet have a California driver's license. |
Section 23136 |
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| California Vehicle Code: Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Anyone under 21 with a BAC of 0.05% - 0.07%, may be charged with a DUI infraction under Vehicle Code, Section 23140, or the driver may be cited for a misdemeanor charge under Vehicle Code, Section 23152. |
Section 23140 |