7/13/05-Gov. Mitch Daniels has signed a bill into law that holds drivers responsible for open containers of alcohol found in the passenger sections of vehicles on public roadways in the state. The new rule also frees up millions in federal dollars for improving Indiana roads.
Under the new law, which took effect July 1, passengers with open containers would be fined up to $500. The driver wouldn’t necessarily be fined – instead, it would be whoever an officer determined possessed the open container.
The vehicle does not need to be in motion for a violation to exist.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Prior to the new rule, passengers were allowed to drink in a vehicle so long as the driver’s blood-alcohol content didn’t exceed 0.04 percent.
That rule, however, didn’t meet federal guidelines for open container restrictions. As a result, Indiana has been forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety programs instead of roadwork.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass the stricter open container provisions or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on traffic safety.
This year, the lax law cost Indiana $1.6 million in road funding, and an additional $15.6 million that had to be diverted for projects such as drunken driving checkpoints and installing cables in medians to prevent crossover accidents, The Indianapolis Star reported. The state has diverted $65 million from roads since fiscal year 2001.
The new law, previously HB1057, will enable the state to use that money for roads.

5/2/05-The General Assembly has approved a bill that would hold drivers responsible for open containers of alcohol found in the passenger sections of vehicles traveling public roadways.
The bill would also free up millions in federal dollars for improving Indiana roads.
Senators voted 42-6 April 28 to approve the bill; the House passed it 77-15 a day earlier. HB1057 now moves to Gov. Mitch Daniels for his signature.
Under the bill, passengers with open containers would be fined up to $500. The driver wouldn’t necessarily be fined – instead, it would be whoever an officer determined possessed the open container.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Current Indiana law allows passengers to drink in a vehicle so long as the driver’s blood-alcohol content doesn’t exceed 0.04 percent.
That law, however, does not meet federal guidelines for open container restrictions. As a result, Indiana is being forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass the stricter provision or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on traffic safety programs.
This year, the lax law cost Indiana $1.6 million in road funding, and an additional $15.6 million that had to be diverted for projects such as drunken driving checkpoints and installing cables in medians to prevent crossover accidents, The Indianapolis Star reported. The state has diverted $65 million from roads since fiscal year 2001.
If signed into law, the stricter provision would take effect July 1.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

3/31/05-The Senate has approved a bill that would hold drivers responsible for open containers of alcohol found in the passenger sections of vehicles traveling public roadways.
The bill would also free up millions in federal dollars for improving Indiana roads.
The Senate voted 34-15 March 29 to approve an amended version of a bill previously passed by the House. The House version called for fining passengers, not drivers, for drinking alcohol in a moving vehicle.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Current state law allows passengers to drink in a vehicle so long as the driver’s blood-alcohol content doesn’t exceed 0.04 percent.
That law, however, does not meet federal guidelines for open container restrictions. As a result, Indiana is one of 14 states being forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass the stricter provision or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects.
This year, $18.6 million must be diverted from road funding for drunken-driving enforcement programs, The Indianapolis Star reported. The state has diverted $65 million from roads since fiscal year 2001.
The bill now heads back to the House for approval of Senate changes. If given the OK there, HB1057 would go to Gov. Mitch Daniels. If the House refuses to agree, the House and Senate would appoint conferees to work out differences.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

3/23/05-The Senate Public Policy Committee voted on March 22 to approve an amended version of a bill that would hold drivers responsible for open containers of alcohol found in the passenger sections of vehicles traveling public roadways.
The bill would also free up millions in federal dollars for improving Indiana roads.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Current state law allows passengers to drink in a vehicle so long as the driver’s blood-alcohol content doesn’t exceed 0.04 percent.
That law, however, does not meet federal guidelines for open container restrictions. As a result, Indiana is one of 14 states being forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass the stricter provision or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects.
Last year, $15.2 million in transportation money was used for alcohol programs. The state has diverted $65 million from roads since fiscal year 2001.
The bill, which previously passed the House, now moves to the full Senate for further debate. If given the OK there, HB1057 would be sent back to the House for final approval before heading to Gov. Mitch Daniels.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

2/9/05-The House voted 72-26 on Jan. 31 to ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways.
The bill would also free up $20 million in federal dollars for improving Indiana roads.
Current state law allows passengers to drink in a vehicle so long as the driver’s blood-alcohol content doesn’t exceed 0.04 percent.
Under HB1057, sponsored by Rep. Cleo Duncan, R-Greensburg, violators would be fined $25. The offense would not count against a driver’s license or insurance.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Indiana is one of 14 states being forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety because the state doesn’t have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass the provision or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects.
Last year, $15.2 million in transportation money was used for alcohol programs, The Associated Press reported. The state has diverted $65 million from roads since fiscal year 2001.
The bill has been forwarded to the Senate for consideration. For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.

1/26/05-The House Roads and Transportation Committee voted unanimously Jan. 24 to forward legislation that would ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways.
The bill would also free up $20 million in federal dollars for improving Indiana roads.
Current state law allows passengers to drink in a vehicle so long as the driver’s blood-alcohol content doesn’t exceed 0.04 percent.
Under the bill, violators would be fined $25. The offense would not count against a driver’s license or insurance.
HB1057, sponsored by Rep. Cleo Duncan, R-Greensburg, now moves to the House floor for consideration.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass the provision or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects.
Last year, $15.2 million in transportation money was used for alcohol programs, The Associated Press reported. The state has diverted $65 million from roads since fiscal year 2001.
For bill status, call (317) 232-9856.