Teen Drivers Would Face Harsher Penalties For Pot, Alcohol In New Bill

February 2, 2012 3:22 PM

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Alcohol, Marijuana, UNDERAGE DRINKING, Westford

WESTFORD (CBS) – A new bill filed on Beacon Hill proposes harsher penalties against young drivers who are caught with marijuana and/or alcohol.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030′s Bernice Corpuz reports.

Westford Academy principal James Antonelli believes the marijuana use among his students has become pervasive since the state decriminalized possession of small amounts of marijuana in 2009.

“Decriminalization has stirred the pot and sent the wrong message to the student community,” said Antonelli.

He and state Rep. Jim Arciero have teamed up to form a bill that would take away the junior-operator licenses of students who are convicted of possessing drugs, alcohol, and other controlled substances.

“This legislation is telling students, young drivers with really limited experience that it’s unacceptable,” said Antonelli.

The bill would also require young drivers to take a three-month substance abuse program and pay a $1,000 fine.

Teen Drivers Would Face Harsher Penalties For Pot, Alcohol In New Bill

common sense ain’t common

I don’t agree with this. First off, who would be the ones stuck with the bill of paying off the $1000 fine? The parents. And what if they can’t pay it? Then who would end up paying it?
Also, for how long would the J-O license be removed? (3 months?) And what if a minor is a repeat offender? Would it be a good idea to implement the “3 strikes” rule?
Before this bill even gets to the state house, it needs to be looked at from someone who isn’t so “gun ho” on keeping kids from driving a car. A good place to start is by researching how effective these substance abuse programs are. What about community service?

gramps

For starters, don’t let truants, drinkers or drug users park on ‘High School Grounds’ & have the police tow any illegally parked car within 2 blocks of the school.

Work on passing a Law to deprive ‘TEENAGERS’ of their ability to drive @ 16, or if they already have one, remove their ‘Drivers Licenses till their 18′, if they are found truant, drinking, or with people who ‘ARE’ drinking…….Any ‘teen’ who runs afoul of the ‘Law’ in ANY way….or is a school discipline problem, if they don’t do their ‘homework’, or ‘drops out of school’……Has to wait longer to get their drivers license……

Forget 16, hello 18……!!

gramps