Walk It Through: The Road Trip
Every seat belted, no open bottle outside the trunk, and driving after notice of a 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. Child passenger restraints, buses and pedal pubs, and license reinstatement 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 bottleAn opened bottle or receptacle of an alcoholic beverage in a private motor vehicle on a street or highway. Possessing one, drinking there, or as owner allowing one, is a misdemeanor.
- Gross misdemeanorAny crime that is not a felony or misdemeanor. Where no other penalty is set, it carries up to 364 days, a $3,000 fine, or both.