Is drinking and driving legal at any age?

Drinking and driving is illegal at any age. This law exists to ensure the safety of all road users, as alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents. In Virginia, as in many states, there are zero-tolerance laws for underage drinking and driving, which means that anyone under the legal drinking age cannot consume alcohol at all while operating a vehicle. For those above the legal drinking age, although consuming alcohol is permitted, driving under its influence is still prohibited, reinforcing the idea that responsibility to prevent impaired driving applies universally, regardless of age. This comprehensive approach aims to promote safer driving behaviors and protect public safety.