Walk It Through: The Road Trip

Everyone 8 and older belted, opened containers in the trunk, and a suspension known or not.

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 seats by weight and height, limousines with a licensed chauffeur, and the felonies for a crash 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.

Opened containerAn opened container of alcohol beverages or nitrous oxide. No driver or passenger may have one on their person in a private vehicle on a public highway.
ForfeitureA penalty that carries money only: Class A up to $10,000, Class B up to $1,000, Class C up to $500.
Occupational licenseA limited license to drive while the operating privilege is suspended. An underage driver suspended under the absolute sobriety rule is eligible for one at any time.
Operating while suspendedOperating on a highway during a suspension. A forfeiture of $50 to $200.