Working to Make Our Roads Safer

State Representative Tracy Marra (R-141) yesterday joined her colleagues in unanimous support of a public safety measure that finally allows police to pull over drivers they see or suspect of using cannabis.

“The safety of our roadways is too important to allow reckless behaviors like driving while smoking cannabis to go unchecked and unpunished. This has been an important yet overlooked safety issue from the moment the legislature rushed to legalize recreational cannabis,” Rep. Marra, a member of the Transportation Committee said. “The Republican caucus and I have been outspoken in our efforts to change and strengthen the laws regarding cannabis use and driving and I’m pleased this giant mistake has finally been corrected.”

House Bill 7132, An Act Concerning Non-Safety Related Traffic Stops and Driving While Consuming Cannabis – provides the authority for officers to stop a motor vehicle if the officer sees the operator actively consuming cannabis and smells burnt cannabis. It also makes numerous changes regarding non-safety related items and reduces the standard for vehicle stops for items like license plate frame holders, windshield obstructions and headlights.

“I was surprised it took so long to pass this commonsense prohibition, but I appreciate my colleagues finally recognizing how significant a safety concern this is,” Rep. Marra said.