Which factor may not typically lead to heightened penalties for DUI offenses?

The age of the driver generally does not influence heightened penalties for DUI offenses in the same way that the other factors do. When considering penalties, the legal system typically focuses on circumstances that might increase the severity of the offense or the potential danger posed to the public.

Having a minor passenger is a significant aggravating circumstance because it increases the potential harm to an innocent party, especially a vulnerable individual like a child. Similarly, operating a commercial vehicle often results in stricter penalties due to the responsibility placed on commercial drivers to ensure safety, given that they are driving larger vehicles that can cause more harm. Previous DUI convictions also lead to heightened penalties because they demonstrate a pattern of behavior that the legal system seeks to deter.

In contrast, the age of the driver, while it may play a role in some contexts, does not inherently lead to enhanced penalties unless specified by statutory law or related to a specific circumstance affecting the case. Therefore, it stands apart from those other more impactful factors when assessing penalties for DUI offenses.