Walk It Through: The Road Trip
Riders under 18 belted, no open container for driver or passengers, and a $200 suspension fine.
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 and boosters, suspensions for DUI or a refusal, and the blood alcohol rules during them 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.
- Summary offenseThe lowest grade of offense, punishable by not more than 90 days, with a fine of up to $300 unless a higher fine is set.
- General impairmentThe lowest DUI tier: an alcohol concentration of at least 0.08% but less than 0.10% within two hours after driving, or drinking enough to be incapable of driving safely.
- Misdemeanor of the third degreeThe lowest misdemeanor grade, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500.