Driving High Can Still Result in a DUI

Voters in Washington and Colorado are legalizing recreational use of marijuana, but that still doesn’t make drugged driving in those states legal.  Both states — as well as the 17 where medicinal use is approved — penalize stoned drivers the same way they do drunken drivers.

Washington’s ballot measure establishes a concentration of 5 nanograms of active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) per milliliter of blood as proof of impaired driving. Backers of Initiative 502 say a marijuana smoker who lets several hours pass before getting behind the wheel should fall beneath that standard.  But most other states – where marijuana is still considered an illegal substance — have a zero-tolerance standard.

Those who are convicted of impaired driving face major legal and financial issues.  In most states, a driver convicted of a first-offense DUI is required to spend at least some time in jail — 24 to 72 hours is common.  Monetary penalties can reach as high as $5,000 and you can lose your license in some states for a year.

Drivers with a DUI are typically required to file an SR-22 form, an insurance company’s guarantee to the state that you are carrying the mandatory coverage. The form is cheap, and can be provided by insurance brokers like Serenity Insurance who specialize in high-risk auto insurance.

At least you won’t face a possession charge in WA or CO if you are carrying less than an ounce of marijuana.  You will, however, have to purchase high-risk auto insurance.  Insurance companies don’t care what you ingested, only that you have a conviction on your driving record.  You should expect your standard insurance rates to rise for as long as the DUI is on your record; in most states, that’s three years.

If you are required by your state to purchase SR-22 Insurance, contact Serenity Insurance today at 1-800-774-0520.  Agents are standing by to help you find affordable SR-22 insurance.  Alternatively, visit www.serenitygroup.com and submit a free quote request to see how much money you can save.

 

 

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