North Olympic Peninsula law enforcement officers praised a new state law that fines drivers for carrying open containers of marijuana on the road.
Jefferson County Sheriff David Stanko likened it to the open container law for alcohol.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Stanko said.
“I have no problem with the open container law for marijuana.”
‘Makes sense’
Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict said the new law for marijuana “makes sense” but will rarely be enforced absent an underlying traffic stop or wreck.
“The idea is to keep people sober while they’re driving,” Benedict said.
“To me, I view that [new law] as just another tool.”
State Patrol troopers assigned to District 8 Bremerton, which includes Clallam and Jefferson counties, say they are seeing more and more violations of the open container law for marijuana.
Sgt. Scott Gordon said troopers are “currently taking an educational stance with violations.”
Although some violators will receive a warning, troopers make their own enforcement decisions, and tickets are possible, Gordon said.
Subject to $136 fine
Violators of the open package law for marijuana are subject to a $136 fine.
House Bill 1276, which took effect Sept. 26, added a new section to existing law for impaired driving that makes it illegal to carry open containers of pot or marijuana-infused products in the main cabin of vehicles.
Motorists can legally carry open cannabis packages only in the trunk of a vehicle or in areas not normally occupied or accessible to the driver or passengers.
State voters in 2012 legalized the possession and sale of up to 1 ounce of recreational marijuana for those 21 and older, but it is illegal to smoke pot on the road or to drive while under the influence.
Warnings first
Interim Port Townsend Police Chief Mike Evans said officers will initially issue warnings for violators of the new rule.
He said businesses that sell marijuana could help educate consumers about it.
“I think it’s a good idea,” Evans said of the open package law.
“You have some substances that are used recreationally, but we don’t want them used when driving.”
Port Angeles Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said the new law is “very reasonable and consistent” with the open container law for alcohol.
“I don’t see any controversy there,” Smith said.
The open container law for marijuana can be found in Section 8 of House Bill 1276, which is available at www.tinyurl.com/pdnpotlaw.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
