Former "Home Improvement" star Taran Noah Smith has been charged with driving under the influence and possession of hash stemming from an arrest earlier this month ... TMZ has learned.

We broke the story ... the 27-year-old was popped in L.A. County on Feb 1 when cops saw him behind the wheel of a Honda Accord that was parked in front of a fire hydrant. Once they investigated the situation, we're told Smith had a "strong odor" of cannabis.

If convicted on both misdemeanor counts, Smith faces up to a year and a half in jail and $1,500 in fines.

He's due back in court in March.

Taran Noah Smith, the youngest kid from "Home Improvement," was arrested early this morning for alleged DUI and possession of drugs -- hash, to be specific.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... 27-year-old Smith was arrested in LA County around 1:00AM. Cops believe he was under the influence of marijuana at the time of his arrest -- and we're told they also found a stash of hash ... a type of marijuana.

Smith, best known for his role as little Mark Taylor, is still in custody ... currently being booked for the DUI and the drug possession, which is a felony.


Sources tell us ... Smith was behind the wheel of his 1998 silver Honda Accord, which was parked at an angle in front of a fire hydrant when an officer decided to investigate the situation.

We're told the officer smelled a "strong odor" of weed and believed Smith was under the influence.