DRIVERS have been warned about hefty fines and possible jail time ahead of a widely celebrated unofficial holiday.
Officials cautioned that partying too hard on this day could result in fines of up to $1,300 and even time behind bars.
GettyArkansas officials and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are preparing for an unofficial holiday that could lead to serious consequences[/caption] Officials warned those who smoke on 4/20 about the penalties for driving under the influence GettySmoking has been proven to affect cognitive abilities and motor skills[/caption]The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has partnered with Arkansas law enforcement to raise awareness about a holiday that could have serious consequences for drivers.
The unofficial marijuana holiday, more commonly referred to as 4/20, is only a few days away and officials are urging drivers to stay sober behind the wheel.
Officials expect a significant spike in marijuana use on Sunday.
The NHTSA has issued this reminder for all drivers ahead of the holiday: “If You Feel Different, You Drive Different. Drive High, Get a DWI.”
Smoking has been shown to impair someone’s driving ability — slowing reaction times, disrupting cognitive performance, and hindering motor skills.
“If you are impaired, do not get behind the wheel of a vehicle,” said Arkansas Public Safety Secretary Colonel Mike Hagar.
“Use good judgement. Obey the law, and make safe choices when driving a vehicle. Your decisions don’t just affect you — they affect everyone on the road.”
The Arkansas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issued a report saying those who plan to use marijuana on 4/20 should not drive at all.
Anyone who needs to operate a vehicle on 4/20 should delegate that responsibility to a sober friend or driver who can get them home safely.
“If you have a friend who is about to drive while high, don’t let the drive and help them get home safely,” the DPS said.
“Don’t worry about offending someone — they’ll thank you later.”
As of February 2024, adults across 24 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 territories (Guam and North Mariana Islands) can use cannabis for non-medical purposes, as per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
As of February 2024, 3 states and 1 territory (American Samoa) do not have a legal cannabis program.
Although smoking is allowed in Arkansas, driving under the influence (DUI) could result in a hefty fine and possible jail time.
The weed holiday is rumored to have taken inspiration from Bob Dylan’s “Rainy Day Women No. 12 & 35,” with its refrain of “Everybody must get stoned” — 420 being the product of 12 times 35.
Since then, it’s been hailed as a phenomenon when cannabis fans gather and smoke. Celebrating 4/20 can look different depending on what kind of events you enjoy — pot shops across the nation offer discounts. In some states, several music festivals are planned throughout the 4/20 weekend.
As of February 2024, 24 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 territories (Guam and North Mariana Islands) allow for the use of cannabis for non-medical adult purposes.
PENALTIES FOR DUI/DWI
A DUI describes an underage driver (under 21 years old) who has been under the influence of alcohol or a “similar intoxicant” with a blood/breath alcohol concentration of .02 but less than .08, according to Arkansas DWI laws.
The more serious offense is driving while impaired (DWI) which refers to any person who is intoxicated or driving with a blood/breath alcohol concentration of .08 or above.
For first-time offenders, drivers face a 24-hour to 1-year jail sentence, a $150 to $1,000 fine, and a $300 court cost.
First-time offenders could also face a six-month license suspension period, beginning one month following the date of the arrest.
Second-time or repeat offenders within 5 years face a 7-day to 1-year jail sentence and a $400-$3,000 fine.
The penalties for third, fourth, or subsequent offense increase in severity.
GettyOfficials have urged drivers to find a sober friend to drive them home on 4/20[/caption] Read More Details
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