New legislation in Oklahoma mandates that drivers transport medical marijuana products in a sealed condition and out of reach to avoid potential open container violations. This law, which took effect recently, places the onus of compliance squarely on the driver.
According to Senator Darrell Weaver (R-Moore), the primary author of the bill, the law aims to enhance road safety by preventing impaired driving. “The way the bill is written is that really, it’s the driver’s responsibility,” he stated. The law specifically prohibits unsealed medical marijuana products from being transported in the front seat of a vehicle. Furthermore, passengers are not allowed to consume marijuana products while the vehicle is in motion.
The implications of this law are significant for both drivers and law enforcement. Aaron Brilbeck from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office noted that drivers often present their medical marijuana cards as a defense when stopped for violations. He emphasized that the new regulation sends a clear message: “You can’t have anybody smoking in your vehicle.”
To comply with the law, drivers must store medical marijuana either in the back seat or the trunk of their vehicles. “What this is about is just being reasonable, and we don’t want impaired drivers on the road,” Sen. Weaver explained. This focus on safety is echoed by law enforcement, who are tasked with enforcing the new regulations.
Brilbeck provided additional guidance for medical marijuana users: “The package that you purchased it in is the package that it needs to remain, and that package needs to be sealed.” This stipulation aims to prevent any misunderstandings regarding the legality of transporting medical marijuana.
Violations of this law may result in fines, which can further include a $250 trauma care fee that contributes to the Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund in Oklahoma. This financial penalty underscores the state’s commitment to addressing public health concerns associated with impaired driving.
As Oklahoma navigates the evolving landscape of medical marijuana legislation, this new law reflects a growing effort to balance the rights of medical users with the safety of all road users.
