The legalization of marijuana in many states has raised important questions about driving high and under the influence of cannabis. In Illinois, driving while high is illegal, and penalties for doing so can be severe. In this post, we will discuss the legal limit for driving high in Illinois, driving under the influence of marijuana guidelines, and offer tips for avoiding a marijuana DUI.
The Illinois Marijuana DUI Law: Is Driving High Illegal?
Under Illinois law, it is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana, just as it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. If a police officer performs a traffic stop and believes that a driver is under the influence of marijuana, they can conduct a field sobriety marijuana DUI test or a chemical test to determine if the driver is impaired. If the driver’s THC level is above the legal limit of 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood, they can be charged with driving under the influence of marijuana.
However, according to The Davis Law Group, P.C., “In Illinois, the law prohibiting you from driving with an excess amount of THC in your system does not apply if you hold a valid medical marijuana card and are a registered medical marijuana user. In other words, if you are a registered medical marijuana user, you may only be charged with cannabis DUI based on a police officer’s observations of you.” Just another benefit of obtaining your medical marijuana license.
Does Marijuana Impair Driving?
Yes, marijuana can impair driving. THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, affects the parts of the brain that control balance, coordination, reaction time, and judgment. When someone is under the influence of marijuana, their ability to operate a vehicle safely can be impaired.
Studies have shown that driving under the influence of marijuana can increase the risk of car accidents, and the effects can last for several hours after use. It’s important to remember that just because someone may feel “fine” after using marijuana, it doesn’t mean that their driving abilities aren’t impaired. As with alcohol, it’s best to avoid driving altogether if you have used marijuana.
Penalties for a Marijuana DUI in Illinois
The penalties for a marijuana DUI in Illinois can be severe, especially for repeat offenders. First-time offenders can face fines of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. They may also have their license suspended for up to six months. Repeat offenders face even harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences, higher fines, and longer license suspensions.
Tips for Avoiding a Marijuana DUI in Illinois
If you use cannabis for medical or recreational use, it’s essential to take steps to avoid driving under the influence of marijuana. Here are some tips for staying safe and avoiding a marijuana DUI in Illinois:
- Don’t drive immediately after using marijuana: Wait at least a few hours after using cannabis before driving. THC can impair your ability to drive, and your reaction time, so it’s best to wait until you feel completely sober before getting behind the wheel.
- Find a designated driver: If you plan on using marijuana, arrange for a designated driver who hasn’t used any drugs or alcohol to drive you home.
- Use public transportation or ride-sharing services: If you don’t have a designated driver, consider using public transportation or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft to get home after your session.
- Be aware of how marijuana affects you: Marijuana affects every body differently, so it’s important to be aware of how it affects you. If you feel impaired or high, don’t drive.
- Store marijuana safely: If you’re transporting marijuana, make sure it’s stored safely, securely, and out of reach while you’re driving. You could be charged with driving under the influence even if you’re not actively using marijuana while driving.
Driving while high and under the influence of marijuana is illegal in Illinois, and penalties for doing so can be severe. If you use marijuana, it’s essential to take steps to avoid driving under the legal limit for driving high. Follow the tips above, and always err on the side of caution when it comes to driving after using marijuana. By being responsible and taking precautions, you can avoid a marijuana DUI and keep yourself and others safe on the road.
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