First off, disclaimer, don't screw this thread up with "I was smashed and driving" or "I had a .25 and still driving". Driving intoxicated is dangerous to others, screw yourself, but my family is in harms way due to your negligence and should not be tolerated. It's a shame that studies show most drunks live through their murderous accidents. The only good of that is they have to live with the guilt.

Now, I have a beer on the way home almost every day. Almost. My ride is an hour, so, one beer. I KNOW this is harmless but not tolerated by the law. But wtf is the law in Maryland. If I am reading the babble on this link correctly, it's a 25 dollar fine. But I heard recently it's now a 500 dollar fine. That sucks. I think "carpet bombing" police techniques suck ***.

Not just Maryland, but what's your laws if ya know them? It was interesting to get people here at work all worked up over this. I would of never guessed so many do what I do, have a drink on the way home. Sometimes, that hour drive is the only quiet time I have. 2 kids, a dog, and a wife FTMW!

 

Many states have an open container law now. Texas just put one into effect about 7 years ago.

 

I knew you'd be the first to answer. What does that mean though? Just a civil fine? It's not a moving violation right?

 

Why would I be the first to answer? fugger

It's a class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500.

 

The trick is to fill those vernors bottles up before the drive...

 

In Louisiana an open container is an instant DUI... there goes your license and insurance will be jacked up for the next few years.

 

see that's what I am talking about. How confusing. So LA has no level of acceptance on blood alcohol content? If you have half a beer at a freind's house and you get pulled over, you get a DUI? (btw, DUI=Dewey ) If no is the answer to that question then I can't see how the state could argue a DUI for an "open container".

 

I think what he's saying is that an open container is a DUI...but if you don't have an open container you are still subject to the .08 law(not sure what LA's limit is).

 

You Can Go To Jail In California For An Open Container

 

Yup doesn't matter if it was emptied 3 months ago. You get in big trouble, arrested and car impounded.

I'm not much of a pro-law guy but in this case the laws need to be heavy (sorry doooey) Like you started the thread by saying we have all seen the destruction driving impaired can cause to property and lives.