House Bill 1
Welcome to another edition of #traffictiptuesday with Sgt. Eaton!
If you have been paying attention to the news lately you may have seen that last Friday, lawmakers in the State of Maryland approved the proposed constitutional amendment known as “House Bill 1.” This means, in November, when you head out to vote you will see a question which reads, “Do you favor the legalization of adult–use cannabis in the State of Maryland?” No matter what your feelings are on recreational cannabis use, there are some important safety factors related to marijuana and driving you should be aware of.
Much like alcohol, marijuana intoxication can also cause poor judgment and reduced reaction time. These are two things you definitely need in order to safely operate a vehicle. In fact, a research study conducted by the “National Library of Medicine” indicated that “marijuana intoxication definitely hinders attention, long-term memory storage, and psychomotor skills involved in driving a car or flying a plane.” While some people may think that marijuana is “safer” than alcohol when it comes to driving, this simply is not true.
Let’s also not forget that driving while impaired by ANY controlled substance, to include marijuana, will lead to a DUI arrest. If you are curious about what happens after you are arrested for driving under the influence, take a look at this snippet directly off of the mva.maryland.gov website.
If you are convicted of an impaired driving offense, you face both criminal penalties and license sanctions.
If you are convicted of Driving Under the Influence:
- For a first offense, you face up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. Twelve (12) points will be assessed on your driving record and your license may be revoked for up to six (6) months.
- For a second offense, you face a $2,000 fine and up to two years imprisonment (with a mandatory minimum of five days). Twelve (12) points will be assessed on your license and your license may be revoked for up to one year.
- For two convictions within five years, a mandatory period of suspension will be followed by a minimum required period of participation in the Ignition Interlock Program.
- You may be required to participate in an alcohol abuse assessment and program.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office has several Drug Recognition Experts who are specially trained to detect the presence of controlled substances in addition to alcohol. So remember, regardless of what happens at the polls in November, just because something is legal (like alcohol) that does not mean it is safe or legal to operate a motor vehicle with it in your system.
As always, if you have a question or concern, please leave it in the comments below. Also, if you have a specific concern with unsafe driving in your area, such as speeding, drag racing, etc., give us a call, send an email, or reach out on social media. Until next week, slow down, pay attention, wear your seatbelt, and drive safely.
HCSO Main Line – 410.838.6600
Northern Precinct – 410.692.7880
Southern Precinct – 410.612.1717
HCSO Traffic Unit – 443.409.3324
traffictiptuesday@harfordsheriff.org
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