BREMERTON — The State Patrol is enforcing a new law that makes it illegal to carry open containers of marijuana in a vehicle.
Troopers assigned to District 8, which encompasses Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties, are actively enforcing the law that went into effect Sept. 26, said Sgt. Scott Gordon, who is based in Bremerton.
The law makes it illegal to consume or carry open containers of marijuana or marijuana-infused products in vehicles upon a highway.
“Open” means the original package, container or receptacle has been opened and the seal broken or contents partially removed.
“My troopers are seeing the violations and are currently taking an educational stance with violations,” Gordon said.
However, troopers “make individual enforcement decisions,” and actual tickets are possible at any point, he said.
The new law is similar to that which prohibits carrying open containers of alcohol.
“You cannot have open containers or consume marijuana in any form in a vehicle upon a roadway,” Gordon said.
It is a traffic infraction to violate the new law and carries a $136 fine.
Motorists can legally carry opened marijuana and infused products only in the trunk of the vehicle or in areas of the vehicle not normally occupied or directly accessible by the driver or passengers.
Utility or glove compartments are deemed as within the area occupied by the driver and passengers.
The new law has not been codified into RCW form but can be viewed for more information and definitions in Section 8 of 2E2SHB 1276 for Washington State House Bill 1276.
