The Zero Tolerance Law is tough and clear. Want to keep your license? It's simple. If you're under 21, don't drink. Period.

The legal drinking age throughout the U.S. is 21. The Zero Tolerance Law says if you are under 21, drive sober or your driver's license can be taken away.

A blood alcohol content of as little as .02 percent means you are breaking the law. For most people, .02 is as little as one beer, one glass of wine or one mixed drink. For some, it's even less.

Penalties for young drivers convicted of breaking the law include the following:

• For a first offense, the driver's license is revoked for three months.

• For a second offense, the driver's license is revoked for six months and you may have to perform up to 120 hours of community service work, or pay a $1,500 fine, or both. You may also have to enroll in an alcohol treatment program.

• For a third offense, the driver's license is revoked for one year. You also have to perform up to 120 hours of community service work, or pay a $1,500 fine, or both. Again, you may be ordered by the court to attend an alcohol treatment program.

What parents should know

The message is clear. If you are under 21, don't drink. The odds are that you will be caught.

Talk to your children about alcohol and the law. Be at home when your children have a party and do not provide alcohol or allow drinking.

You are your children's role model. Set a good example.

Always drive sober, no matter what age you are.

The Heat is On! is a Nationwide DUI enforcement and public awareness campaign. Law enforcement agencies statewide are cracking down on intoxicated drivers. In 1999, agencies made 36,676 DUI arrests.