Next month, Washington State’s House Bill 1276 – Concerning Impaired Driving, goes into effect. The new law seeks to strengthen the State’s DUI laws.
Among the provision of the bill, is a new open container law for marijuana. Beginning September 26, any marijuana in a motor vehicle, must be either in an unopened/sealed container or kept in the trunk of the vehicle.
If a vehicle does not have a trunk (i.e. a station wagon) then any marijuana must be kept somewhere not accessible to the driver or other passengers. Note that the glove compartment is deemed to be accessible to drivers and passengers.
Smoking of marijuana in a motor vehicle is prohibited. Placing marijuana in a container that is labeled as containing a non-marijuana substance and having it within an area of the car accessible to the driver and/or passengers is also prohibited.
When carrying marijuana in your car, take care to comply with State law. Noncompliance can lead to license suspension and/or other penalties.
For more information on the regulation of marijuana and marijuana businesses in Washington State, please contact Heather Wolf.