Chief’s Corner
By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department College will be back in session soon, and a consistent discussion, with students and staff, involves alcohol regulations. Students, often misunderstand the laws relative to people under the age of twenty-one transporting alcohol in a vehicle. I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify some of the confusion people may have about this issue. The rules for minors transporting alcohol are contained in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 138 Section 34C. In addition to being illegal for people under twenty-one to knowingly possess alcohol or carry it upon their person, the law also prohibits these same individuals from transporting alcohol in a vehicle they are operating. The only exceptions for anyone under the age of twenty-one to possess or transport these beverages lawfully is if they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or if they are transporting or handling it in connection with their employment (i.e. If you are at least 18 years of age and driving a beer truck for work, working as a checkout clerk in a store, etc). Transportation under any other conditions is considered against the law. An example I put forth to college students is it would be a violation for someone who is nineteen to drive people of legal age to the liquor store and drive them back with alcohol in their vehicle. Whether the driver is connected to the alcohol or not, this is a violation. Unless a parent or guardian is present, this conduct would not be permitted. Penalties involve fines ranging from fifty to one hundred and fifty dollars and include a right of arrest. There are, however, some other penalties which make this law more substantial. |
In addition to being subject to arrest, violators can have their license suspended by the Registry for up to 90 Days. These penalties make a violation of this law a serious and it should be something for those under twenty-one to consider when making the decision to drive with alcohol on board.
For those still seeking vaccination or COVID related information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036. During these challenging times, we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community. Thanks again for your questions and comments. Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com. Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen. |
|