Walk It Through: The Road Trip
Everyone under 18 restrained, an open container counted as the driver's, and a known suspension.
A teenage nephew and an adult friend climb into the back seat and leave their belts off.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One trip with a car full of friends. Car seats for young children, buses and motor homes, and the felony for repeat suspensions are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Open containerAn open container of an alcoholic beverage, which no one may possess while operating a vehicle or while a passenger in one being operated.
- Securely encasedHow a person 18 years of age or older in lawful possession of a handgun may keep it inside a private vehicle: securely encased or otherwise not readily accessible for immediate use.
- Felony of the third degreeThe lowest felony degree, punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.