When making decisions about consuming alcohol, it is important to consider the following:

Washington State laws regarding minor in possession (MIP) and use:

  • Persons under the age of 21 may not acquire, possess, or consume alcohol. Nor may other persons furnish alcohol to anyone under 21 or permit underage consumption on-premises within their control. Penalty: Maximum $500 fine, 2 months imprisonment, or both.
  • Persons under 21 may not be in a public place or a vehicle in public while exhibiting the effects of having consumed alcohol. A public place includes city streets and any buildings and grounds used for University purposes. Penalty: Maximum $500 fine, 2 months imprisonment, or both.
  • Persons under 21 may not purchase or attempt to purchase alcohol—penalty: Maximum $1,000 fine, 90 days imprisonment, or both.
  • Alcohol may not be opened or consumed in a public place. Penalty: Maximum $1,000 fine.
  • It is unlawful to manufacture, deliver, or possess an illicit drug—penalty: Maximum $10,000 fine, 5 years imprisonment, or both. The possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana is a misdemeanor (minimum $250 fine and not less than 24 hours in jail).
  • It is unlawful to possess or use drug paraphernalia for purposes relating to the manufacture, delivery, possession, or use of an illicit drug—penalty: Minimum $250 fine and not less than 24 hours in jail.

Washington State laws regarding driving:

  • Any minor in possession (alcohol or drug) offense will result in loss of your driver's license for one year (1st offense) or two years (2nd offense).
  • Underage 21 Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a .02-.07 BAC has the
    following penalties:
    • 1st Offense: 90-day license suspension, maximum 90 days in jail, and $1,000 fine
    • 2nd Offense: License revoked until age 21 or at least 1 year, maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine
  • Any age Driving Under the Influence (DUI) with a BAC of .08 or higher has the
    following penalties:
    • 1st Offense: 90-day license suspension, 1-day jail or 15-day electronic home monitoring, fines $8,125, possible ignition interlock
    • 2nd Offense: License revoked for a minimum of two years, minimum 30 days in jail and 60 days electronic home monitoring, fines $8,125, possible five-year ignition interlock.

Washington State law regarding false identification:

  • Possession of a false identification card is a misdemeanor. Penalty: Minimum $250 fine and 25 hours community service.