Washington Passes Open Container Law for Marijuana

In Washington state, where recreational marijuana use is legal, drivers will soon be required to remove roaches from their motor coaches.

A new state law, House Bill 1276, will update the state's open container laws for vehicles to include marijuana. The law stipulates that marijuana, like alcohol, must be kept in the trunk of a vehicle, in an unopened container, or in another part of the passenger cabin "not normally occupied or directly accessible by" the driver or passengers.

The law, signed by Governor Jay Inslee on June 30, will take effect September 26.

The law also restores the state's ability to automatically suspend a driver's license if a blood test reveals the driver to be under the influence of marijuana, The Associated Press reports.

Washington made small amounts of marijuana legal for recreational use in 2012 with a ballot measure allowing the state to regulate and tax sales. In 2014, the state brought in $70 million in tax revenue from marijuana sales, according to CNN.