California's "driving under the influence" laws cover both alcohol and drugs. But unlike the 0.08% drunk driving limit, there's no such threshold for drugged driving. This bill would make that threshold zero. Law enforcement groups back the measure. Scott Seamen is with the California Police Chiefs Association.
Seamen: "It is very difficult for
law enforcement and for prosecutors to understand why we don't have
the same view around the impacts of drugged driving."
The bill makes exceptions for drugs used with valid prescriptions. But medical marijuana advocate Lanette Davies says medicinal pot users wouldn't be covered by those exceptions - nor would drivers taking over-the-counter cold or allergy medications.
Davies: "Let's say you're in an accident, you've got Claritin that says non-drowsy on it. You are going to be held permanently responsible because you have that medication in your blood system."Seventeen other states have similar "zero tolerance" policies.
