Underage DWI Penalties

Underage DWI Penalties in NH

Below are the penalties for Underage DWI in New Hampshire.

The information on this website is for informational purposes only. You should consult with a NH DWI lawyer to discuss the specific penalties applicable in your case.

DWI – First Offense (Under Age 21)

Class B Misdemeanor*

*May be reduced to a violation-level offense after one year.

Jail Sentence

None

Fine

Minimum: $500.00

Maximum: $1,200.00

Added to all fines is a 24% penalty assessment. Most courts expect payment of the fine and penalty assessment in full on the day of trial or when the sentence is imposed.

Court-Ordered Loss of License

Minimum: 1 year

Maximum: 2 years (mandatory if there was a passenger under the age of 16 in the car)

Administrative License Suspension (ALS) by the NH DMV

Minimum: 6 months, effective 30 days from date of arrest.

In the case of a refusal, the administrative loss of license will be consecutive (i.e., in addition to) to any court-ordered loss of license.

In the case of a youth operator’s license, DMV will not issue a license before the age of 21.

Required Treatment

Minimum:

IDCMP Substance Use Disorder Evaluation ($200). The evaluation must be scheduled within 30 days of conviction and completed within 60 days of conviction.

• Negative evaluation → IDEP or WIDEP.
• Positive evaluation → compliance with the service plan provided from the substance use evaluation, in addition to IDEP or WIDEP.

Any additional treatment or counseling ordered by the court, including random urine and drug tests.

Ignition Interlock Requirement

The court may order installation of an ignition interlock device in any vehicle the person drives until age 21 or for not less than 12 months, whichever is longer.

Insurance Requirements

SR-22 form required prior to reinstatement.

Other Penalties

6 demerit points

Major motor vehicle offense which counts toward certification as an habitual offender.

In the case of a youth operator’s license, NH DMV will not issue a license before the age of 21. Other states may have their own administrative rules and requirements applicable to youth operators.

May affect international travel of US citizens (including travel to Canada) and immigration status or visa eligibility for non-citizens.

Conviction cannot be annulled for a minimum of 10 years.