Bill > H186

This bill creates an open-container law specifically for marijuana in motor vehicles, establishing clear definitions and penalties for possessing an open container of marijuana or marijuana products in the passenger area of a vehicle. The bill defines key terms such as "marijuana", "edibles", and "passenger area", and stipulates that having an opened marijuana container or product in the passenger area of a motor vehicle is subject to a civil penalty ranging from $100 to $500. The law provides two specific exceptions: passengers in commercial transportation vehicles where the driver is separated from passengers, and the living quarters of a house coach or house trailer. The bill also removes a related existing subsection from Chapter 94G, suggesting it is updating and clarifying existing marijuana transportation regulations. By creating this specific open-container provision, the bill aims to regulate and discourage the open transportation of marijuana in vehicles, similar to existing open-container laws for alcoholic beverages, with the goal of promoting public safety and preventing potential impaired driving.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H186