Washington State Patrol troopers assigned to District 8 Bremerton — which encompasses Clallam, Jefferson, Kitsap, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties — are taking active enforcement on motorists who violate the recently active Marijuana in Vehicles law.

The law, which went into effect Sept. 26, makes it illegal to consume or carry open containers of marijuana or marijuana infused products in vehicles upon a highway. “Open” means the original package, container or receptacle that has been opened and the seal broken or contents partially removed.

It is a traffic infraction to violate the new law and carries a $136 fine.

Local troopers advise that they are increasingly seeing the violation and taking enforcement action. One trooper reports contacting a motorist on a recent traffic stop who was carrying a quart size plastic zip-lock bag full of “pungent” marijuana buds in the console of his vehicle. The driver told the trooper he didn’t know it was illegal to do so.

“My troopers are seeing the violations and are currently taking an educational stance with violations,” WSP Sergeant Scott Gordon said. He cautions, however, that his troopers make individual enforcement decisions and actual tickets are possible at any point.

Motorists can legally carry opened marijuana and infused products only in the trunk of the vehicle or in areas of the vehicle not normally occupied or directly accessible by driver or passengers.

Utility or glove compartments are deemed as within the area occupied by the driver and passengers.

See www.wsp.wa.gov.