Can you drive under the influence of marijuana in California?

Article submitted by Delta Driving School

While it is now legal to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes in the state of California, that legalization does not come without a variety of rules and regulations. Most notably, is that it is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis.

Marijuana contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can impair your ability to drive or make decisions. Symptoms of THC include drowsiness, impaired memory, frequent mood changes, an increased appetite, an inability to focus on the time, and other effects. It is for these very reasons that it is illegal to drive a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana.

Penalties for driving under the influence (DUI) of marijuana are the same as the penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol.

For a first offense, you can expect six months in jail, a fine of up to $1000, required DUI school participation for three or nine months, a suspended license, or any combination of the above.

For a second offense, you can expect up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1000, required DUI school participation for 18 or 30 months, a suspended license, or any combination of the above.

For a third offense, you can expect up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1000, required DUI school participation for 30 months, a suspended license, or any combination of the above.

For a DUI misdemeanor that causes injury, you can expect up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $5000 and restitution to those injured, required DUI school participation for up to 30 months, a revoked license, or any combination of the above.

A felony DUI occurs when you cause injury or death to another, you have two of three prior DUI convictions within the last ten years, or you have at least one other felony DUI conviction. In these cases, you can expect up to three years in state prison, a fine of up to $1000, required DUI school participation for up to 30 months, a revoked license for four years, or any combination of the above.

Finally, for a felony DUI with injury, you can expect up to 16 years in state prison, a $5000 fine and restitution to injured parties, required DUI school participation of 18 or 30 months, a revoked license for five years, or any combination of the above.

If you choose to experiment with marijuana for recreational purposes, it is crucial that you understand the above offenses for driving under the influence. And, it is essential that you take steps to protect yourself, and others on the road, by refraining from driving.

About the Author:
Delta Driving School is a Driving School in Highland Park CA. They offer driving lessons. If you are in the area and looking for lessons, make sure to contact them.