For many parents, the conversation about drinking and driving feels intimidating. You want to protect your teen, but you also don’t want to lecture, scare, or push them away. Yet as a DUI lawyer who regularly sees the real consequences of one poor decision, I can tell you this with certainty, early, honest conversations make a measurable difference.
Teenagers don’t need legal jargon. They need clarity, boundaries, and reassurance that they can call you for help without fear. We recently spoke with Toronto DUI lawyer Dalraj Bains about the most important things every parent should make sure their teen understands about drinking and driving.
“One Drink” Can Still Mean Serious Trouble
One of the biggest misconceptions teens have is that driving after “just one drink” is harmless. In Ontario, young drivers are subject to zero-tolerance alcohol laws. That means any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to immediate consequences, even if they don’t feel impaired.
Many teens assume impairment is the issue. Legally, the presence of alcohol alone can be enough. Parents should explain that it’s not about how they feel, it’s about how the law applies to them.
A DUI Is Not “Just a Ticket”
Teens often underestimate the seriousness of impaired driving charges. They may think it’s similar to speeding or a minor traffic violation. It isn’t.
A DUI can result in:
- Immediate licence suspension
- Vehicle impoundment
- Criminal charges
- Long-term insurance consequences
- A permanent record that can affect school, employment, and travel
Helping teens understand the long-term impact, without catastrophizing, allows them to see beyond the moment and think ahead.
Saying No Is Easier With a Plan
Peer pressure is real, and even confident teens can struggle in social situations. One of the most helpful things parents can do is help their teen plan ahead.
This might include:
- A pre-arranged ride home
- A code word or text that signals they need help
- Clear permission to blame their parents (“My mom will lose it if I don’t get home”)
When teens know they have an exit strategy, they’re far more likely to use it.
You’ll Pick Them Up, No Questions Asked
This may be the most important rule of all.
Teens need to know that if they’re ever in a situation involving alcohol or drugs, they can call you for a ride without fear of punishment in that moment. Discipline can be discussed later, but safety comes first.
Many DUI cases I see could have been avoided if a teen felt safe making that phone call. Saying this explicitly, and meaning it, can prevent life-altering consequences.
Refusing a Breath Test Has Consequences
There’s a persistent myth that refusing a breath test is a “smart move.” For young drivers, refusal often leads to immediate and severe penalties, including longer suspensions and additional charges.
Parents don’t need to coach their teens on interacting with police, but they should understand that refusal isn’t a loophole and often makes things worse.
Social Hosting Can Affect Parents Too
It’s also important for teens to understand that impaired driving doesn’t just affect them. Parents who host gatherings where alcohol is available may face legal exposure if a teen leaves impaired.
This isn’t about fear, it’s about responsibility and communication. Clear household rules protect everyone involved.
Lead by Example
Teens notice far more than parents realize. Modeling responsible behaviour, arranging rides, designating drivers, avoiding casual jokes about “having a couple” before driving, reinforces the message more than words ever could.
Consistency builds credibility.
Keep the Conversation Ongoing
This shouldn’t be a one-time talk. Drinking and driving conversations should evolve as teens get older, start driving more independently, and encounter new social situations.
Ask open-ended questions. Listen more than you speak. And remind them that mistakes don’t define them, but smart choices can protect their future.
As a parent, your role isn’t to control every decision your teen makes. It’s to give them the tools, trust, and support to make safer ones. When it comes to drinking and driving, those conversations truly matter, more than many parents realize.
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