What does Maryland's zero tolerance law prohibit for individuals under 21?

Maryland's zero tolerance law is specifically designed to address underage drinking and driving. It prohibits individuals under the age of 21 from driving with any measurable amount of alcohol in their system. This law emphasizes the seriousness of underage drinking and the dangers associated with it, aiming to promote safety on the roads.

The rationale behind this law is that even small amounts of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times, significantly increasing the risk of accidents. By enforcing a strict no-tolerance policy, Maryland aims to discourage any consumption of alcohol by those under 21 before they operate a vehicle.

This approach contrasts with laws for older drivers, where a certain blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit, such as 0.08%, is typically applied. However, for those under 21, the presence of any alcohol is considered unacceptable.