The National Minimum Drinking Age Act was signed into law, establishing a uniform minimum drinking age of 21 across the United States. This legislation was a response to alarming statistics regarding alcohol-related traffic fatalities involving young drivers, which had drawn the attention of lawmakers and health advocates. Prior to this act, many states allowed individuals as young as 18 to legally purchase and consume alcohol, a practice viewed as contributing to the rise in dangerous driving incidents. The act aimed to mitigate these dangers by restricting access to alcohol for those under 21. Compliance was voluntary; however, states that chose not to implement the law would face significant penalties, including a reduction of federal highway funds by up to 10%. This created strong incentives for states to adhere to the new minimum age requirement.

The journey to establish a minimum drinking age of 21 had begun in the 1970s, when many states lowered their drinking ages during a time of changing societal norms. Over time, as the consequences of these changes became more evident, including increased alcohol-related crashes among teenagers, the push for a higher drinking age intensified. Organizations such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) played a pivotal role in advocating for this legislation, highlighting the public health crisis that arose from excessive drinking among youths. The act represented a significant shift in public policy, demonstrating a growing commitment to addressing health and safety issues related to alcohol consumption.