Penalties for unlawful operation or use of motor vehicles by persons under 18 years of age

1. Law
2. US Virgin Islands Code
3. Highways and Motor Vehicles
4. Motor Vehicles
5. Accidents; Penalties
6. Penalties for unlawful operation or use of motor vehicles by persons under 18 years of age

• Whenever, after a hearing before the court, it shall be found that a person under the age of 18 years has violated any law or regulation relating to the use and operation of motor vehicles, the court may

  • (a) impose a fine, not exceeding $100;

  • (b) revoke the driver's license of such person, or suspend the same for such time as may be fixed by the court; and

  • (c) order any motor vehicle owned or operated by such person to be impounded by the probation officer for such time, not exceeding 60 days, as shall be fixed by the court; Provided, however, That if the court shall find that the operation of such motor vehicle was without the consent of the owner, then such vehicle shall not be impounded.

• Upon nonpayment of any fine herein provided for, the court may order that any motor vehicle owned by said person or operated by said person with the consent of the owner shall be impounded until the fine shall be paid, or may order that the driver's license of such person shall be taken up and held by the probation officer until payment of said fine, or may cause both said motor vehicle and said driver's license to be taken up and impounded until such fine shall be paid; but no person under 18 years shall be committed to or held in any detention facility or jail by reason of nonpayment of such fine.

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