SOME IMPORTANT REMINDERS REGARDING THE LAW:

While parents may rationalize: "I'd rather the kid's drink where I know they are safe, rather than driving around in a car." "It's only alcohol – at least they are not doing drugs.", or "I would rather they experiment a little now so they won't go crazy when they go to college." The fact is that underage drinking is against the law and is hazardous to the health and safety of our teens.

    • Possessing, purchasing or drinking alcohol before age 21 is illegal.*
    • As a parent, you cannot provide alcohol to your teen's friends under the age of 21 under any circumstance, even in your own home, even with their parent's permission.
    • If you break the law, Illinois Law states you can face a maximum sentence of 12 months in jail or a $2,500 fine.
      • The penalty increases to up to 3 years in prison and $25,000 in fines if the drinking leads to serious injuries or death.** 
    • In Illinois, drivers under the age of 21 face a zero tolerance policy meaning they will lose their driving privileges if any trace of alcohol or other drugs is found.
    • A person under the age of 21 can face a suspension of their driver’s license if found guilty or granted court supervision for a violation of state law or local ordinance relating to illegal consumption, possession, purchase or receipt of alcohol, regardless of whether a vehicle was involved.

**Please visit your village website regarding additional laws that may exist regarding furnishing or supplying alcohol or drugs to minors.

*Exceptions: Use in religious ceremonies.

CURFEWS

Curfews are set for the safety and well-being of our children.  A curfew is about a teenager understanding that, yes, teens can go out and have fun, but there has to be discipline and responsibility.  Involve your teen in the discussions of setting his/her curfew.  Local laws also govern curfews. 

People under the age of 18 in Bannockburn, Deerfield, Highland Park, Highwood, and Riverwoods may not be out in public after curfew, unless accompanied and supervised by a parent, guardian, or responsible companion.  (Please check your village website for specific details regarding your community curfew laws.) 

The curfew hours are 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday until 6:00 a.m. of the following day; and one minute after midnight (12:01) a.m. Friday or Saturday until 6:00 a.m. of the following day.

Remember, a minor’s driver’s license is invalid during curfew hours and some insurance companies may not cover accidents if curfew is violated.

NIGHTIME DRIVING RESTRICTIONS FOR DRIVERS UNDER 18

Did you know that drivers under 18 have nighttime driving restrictions that are different from your own community curfew laws?

In Illinois, drivers under the age of 18 may not operate a motor vehicle between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. If a teen is convicted of violating these nighttime driving restrictions, their drivers' license will be suspended. For more information on this law and the exemptions to it, please visit Illinois Graduated Driver Licensing System.

DISTRICT 113 POLICIES

District Philosophy/Policy
The use of alcohol, tobacco and other prohibited substances is illegal and a health hazard to adolescents. Prohibited substances include unlawful drugs, prescription drugs not used or intended to be used in accordance with the prescription and over-the-counter drugs not used or intended to be used as directed.

Students are prohibited from possessing, using, being under the influence of or distributing alcohol, tobacco or other prohibited substances in school buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles or at any school event or activity. Possession or distribution of drugs, look-alike drugs, or drug paraphernalia such as, but not limited to pipes, bongs, rolling paper, etc., in these locations is prohibited. In addition to instituting disciplinary proceedings, school officials will also deny attendance at any school program or function to students who appear to be under the influence of, or who are in possession of, alcohol or other prohibited substances. The Principal or Principal's designee will notify legal authorities of all evidence and reports of all illegal activity if warranted.

For more information on the policies and consequences, please refer to Township High School District 113.