Mandatory revocation or suspension of, or delay of eligibility for, driver license for persons under age 18 found guilty of drug offenses; prohibition.

(1) Notwithstanding s. 322.055, if a person under 18 years of age is found guilty of or delinquent for a violation of chapter 893, and:

(a) The person is eligible by reason of age for a driver license or driving privilege, the court shall direct the department to revoke or to withhold issuance of his or her driver license or driving privilege for a period of 6 months.

(b) The person’s driver license or driving privilege is under suspension or revocation for any reason, the court shall direct the department to extend the period of suspension or revocation by an additional period of 6 months.

(c) The person is ineligible by reason of age for a driver license or driving privilege, the court shall direct the department to withhold issuance of his or her driver license or driving privilege for a period of 6 months after the date on which he or she would otherwise have become eligible.

However, the court may, upon finding a compelling circumstance to warrant an exception, direct the department to issue a license for driving privileges restricted to business or employment purposes only, as defined in s. 322.271, if the person is otherwise qualified for such a license.

(2) A penalty imposed under this section shall be in addition to any other penalty imposed by law.