A "zero alcohol" policy for Quebec drivers under 21 officially takes effect on Sunday, affecting some 11,000 people across the province.

The law aims to reduce the number of drunk driving-related accidents involving young drivers, who will face stiff penalties if they violate the rules.

Drivers under 21 found with alcohol in their system face a 90-day license suspension, four demerit points and fines ranging from $300 to $600.

The law was first introduced in December 2010 in Quebec.

The message is simple — don't drink and drive, says MADD spokeswoman Theresa Anne Kramer.

"We know that 80 per cent of passengers who are in their teens are killed by another teen, another driver, so by one of their peers," she said.

Ontario, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick have already implemented similar legislation.