Walk It Through: The Road Trip
Sixteen and older in every seat, open containers in the trunk, and a degree set by the reason.
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. Booster seats and car seats by age and height, motor homes, and getting a license reinstated 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 opened or partly emptied container of alcohol in a vehicle on a highway, a traffic infraction unless kept in the trunk or, with no trunk, an area not normally occupied by the driver or passengers.
- Traffic infractionA noncriminal violation for which an officer may detain a person a reasonable time to identify them, check for warrants, check the license, insurance and registration, and issue the notice of infraction.
- Gross misdemeanorThe crime level between a misdemeanor and a felony, punishable by up to three hundred sixty four days in jail, a fine up to five thousand dollars, or both.