Teenagers, TikTok, and Traffic Stops: Two DUI Lawyers Talk to Moms About Raising Responsible Drivers

Handing your teenager the car keys for the first time can be both a proud and terrifying moment. Between social media distractions, peer pressure, and a culture that glamorizes “just one drink,” it’s no wonder parents lose sleep over their kids behind the wheel.

To help moms navigate these high-stakes years, we asked two experienced DUI lawyers, Calvin Barry from Toronto and Amar Bhinder from Brampton, to share what they wish every parent knew about raising safe, responsible drivers in today’s world.

1. Teen Drivers and the Law: “Zero Tolerance Means Zero.”

Under Ontario’s G1, G2, and novice driver rules, the law is clear: no alcohol, no cannabis, no excuses.

“Many parents think a single beer at a family BBQ isn’t a big deal,” says Toronto DUI lawyer Calvin Barry, a former Crown prosecutor turned defence lawyer. “But for G1 and G2 drivers, even a small amount of alcohol or THC in their system can lead to immediate license suspension, hefty fines, and serious insurance consequences.”

He adds that young drivers caught under Ontario’s Zero BAC law face automatic 24-hour suspensions, 30-day license suspensions upon conviction, and escalating penalties for repeat offences.

“And here’s what really hurts,” Calvin says. “One mistake at 18 can make car insurance unaffordable for years, or even impact career paths that require clean driving records.”

2. Social Media Pressure and Party Culture: A Dangerous Mix

Today’s teens live their lives online, where dangerous “challenges” and reckless behavior can rack up views faster than good judgment can catch up.

Amar Bhinder, a Brampton criminal and DUI lawyer with Polaris Legal Group, has seen how social media fuels bad decisions.

“Teens don’t just face peer pressure in person anymore, it follows them on TikTok and Snapchat,” Amar says. “I’ve seen cases where young drivers tried to ‘film’ their drives or post stunts for attention, not realizing they were documenting evidence of a crime.”

He stresses that parents should talk to teens about the digital footprint of their choices. “A single video can go viral, and straight into the hands of police, prosecutors, or future employers.”

Amar suggests setting firm family rules about phone use in vehicles. “Keep the phone out of reach. Even hands-free scrolling or filming is still dangerous and can lead to distracted driving charges.”

3. Teaching Teens to Handle Traffic Stops, the Calm, Smart Way

Both lawyers agree: one of the most important conversations parents can have isn’t just about not drinking and driving, but what to do if your teen is stopped by police.

“Teach them to stay calm, be polite, and know their rights,” Calvin says. “Arguing or panicking can escalate a simple stop into something worse.”

Amar adds, “I tell young clients all the time, honesty and respect go a long way. If they’re pulled over, keep their hands visible, don’t reach for their phone, and answer questions clearly.”

Moms can even rehearse this scenario with their teens. Role-playing how to speak to officers helps remove fear and builds confidence for real-world situations.

4. Setting Family Rules That Actually Work

Teens are more likely to make good choices when expectations are clear, and consequences are consistent. Calvin and Amar both recommend drafting a simple “family driving contract.”

This can include:

• No alcohol, drugs, or texting while driving.
• Mandatory call or ride-share if they ever feel unsafe to drive.
• No passengers during the first few months (distraction-free driving).
• Shared responsibilities for gas, maintenance, and insurance.

“Framing these rules as trust and privilege, not punishment, makes a difference,” Amar explains. “It helps teens see driving as something they earn through maturity.”

5. Lead by Example

Both lawyers emphasize that kids learn from what they see.

“If parents drive distracted, speed, or joke about drinking and driving, kids notice,” Calvin says. “Model the behavior you want your teens to mirror.”

Amar agrees. “I’ve defended good families where the teen’s first mistake was one small drink at a graduation party. The message should always be clear: if you drink, you don’t drive, ever. There’s no ‘just around the corner’ exception.”

Parenting teenage drivers isn’t about fear, it’s about preparation.

As Calvin Barry puts it:

“You can’t ride in the passenger seat forever, but you can give your kids the knowledge and mindset to stay safe on the road.”

And as Amar Bhinder adds:

“Most DUI cases start with one bad decision. The best prevention is honest conversations at home, long before the keys ever change hands.”

Because in a world of TikTok challenges, late-night drives, and endless distractions, what teens need most isn’t just a driver’s license, it’s a moral compass. And that begins with us, the parents, teaching them that responsibility doesn’t end when the engine starts.