Getting pulled over might not seem like a big deal. Maybe it happened because of a rolling stop or a busted taillight, nothing you expect to turn serious. But if the officer picks up the smell of marijuana or starts asking questions about what’s in the car, the conversation can change fast.
Marijuana may be legal in your state, but that does not mean you’re free from consequences, especially when officers find it during a traffic stop.
Why a traffic stop with marijuana can still lead to charges
Even in states where marijuana is legal, being in a car with it creates complications. Officers pay close attention to whether the product is sealed, whether it’s within reach of the driver and whether there’s any sign of recent use.
A sealed package in the trunk might not raise alarms, but loose product in a bag on the passenger seat could lead to questioning, a search or a citation. If you’re under the legal age or over the possession limit, that can escalate quickly.
In North Dakota, the rules around marijuana continue to evolve. However, possession in a vehicle remains tightly regulated, and the line between a legal amount and a criminal offense can be thinner than most people realize.
What you should do during the stop
If you’re pulled over and there is marijuana in the car, stay calm, speak carefully and don’t offer more than what’s asked. You don’t have to explain yourself or agree to a search — and trying to hide something in the moment usually makes things worse. A short, steady response does more for you than a long one ever will.
Still, even if you deal with the stop carefully, it’s possible that the situation ends with a citation or an arrest, and what happens next depends on how you handle that charge.
What could happen after you’re charged
Charges can vary based on the amount, your age and how you stored or transported the marijuana. You might face a citation, a misdemeanor or, in more serious situations, a felony charge — especially if there are other factors involved like driving under the influence or being near a school zone.
Penalties may include fines, probation or a criminal record, and the specifics depend on your location and the details of the stop. If you are unsure how to move forward, a conversation with someone who understands your rights can help clarify what comes next.
The right response can change the direction
A traffic stop doesn’t have to define your future, but how you respond — in the moment and in the days after — can shape what happens next. Understanding your rights and staying aware of how the law treats marijuana in a vehicle gives you a better chance of staying in control when it counts.