Drivers_Manual
Drivers_Manual
Drivers_Manual
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Buying, Possessing, or Transporting Alcohol<br />
If you are under 21, it is illegal to...<br />
• Buy alcohol or have someone buy it for you<br />
• Possess, carry, or transport alcohol unless accompanied by a parent or guardian<br />
Your license will be suspended for 90 days to one year for breaking either of these laws.<br />
There are also fines and other penalties. If you are under 21 and you buy, or try<br />
to buy, alcohol, your license will be suspended for 180 days.<br />
Open Container Law<br />
You may not drink alcohol while driving. You may not have an open alcoholic drink inside<br />
your vehicle, even if someone else is holding it. If you are convicted of this offense, you will<br />
be fined $100 to $500. If you are under 21, you will be arrested, fined, and your license will<br />
be suspended.<br />
False or Altered Licenses/Identification Cards<br />
It is illegal to use a false license or ID, to alter a license or ID, or to use another person’s<br />
license or ID. It is also illegal to use false information to obtain a license or ID. In most<br />
cases, these are felonies with serious penalties. You can face penalties even if you do not<br />
attempt to purchase alcohol. M.G.L.c.90,§22(e) allows the RMV to suspend your<br />
license or right to operate in Massachusetts for six months. A conviction is<br />
not required. If you are convicted, your license will be suspended for one year.<br />
Illegal Drugs, Medicine, and Other Controlled Substances<br />
Laws for operating under the influence of alcohol also apply to drugs. Almost any drug can<br />
affect your driving skills. Illegal drugs, prescription medicines, and over-the-counter<br />
medicines can all make it dangerous to drive.<br />
Marijuana<br />
Smoking or eating marijuana makes it more difficult to respond to sights and sounds. This<br />
makes you dangerous as a driver. It lowers your ability to handle a quick series of tasks.<br />
The most serious problem is facing an unexpected event, such as a car coming from a side<br />
street or a child running out from between parked cars. These problems get worse after<br />
dark, because marijuana also causes a bad loss of night vision.<br />
Two recent changes to Massachusetts law have decriminalized certain aspects of<br />
possession and/or use of marijuana. However, operating a motor vehicle while under<br />
the influence of marijuana is still illegal!<br />
• In 2008, M.G.L Chapter 94C, Section 32L made the possession of one ounce or less of<br />
marijuana by a person who is 18 years of age or older a civil offense subject only to a<br />
civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the drug. A person under 18 years of age is subject<br />
to the same civil penalty of $100 and forfeiture of the drug, but must also complete a<br />
drug awareness program (which includes community service) within one year and his/her<br />
parents will be notified of the offense. If the program is not completed within a year, the<br />
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