Leave Your Vape at Home. New Law Makes Driving with Marijuana in the Car Illegal, Yours or Not

OG article by Phillip Jackson of Tulsa Flyer

November 24, 2025

A new Oklahoma law, Senate Bill 786, effective November 1, 2025, prohibits passengers from using or possessing marijuana in vehicles, building on existing bans against drivers smoking marijuana. Lawmakers aim to enhance road safety by preventing impaired driving from alcohol or drugs. The law requires all marijuana products, including vape pens, edibles, infused drinks, and tinctures, to be sealed in original packaging and stored in the trunk, akin to alcohol open container rules. Previously, a 2018 medical marijuana law permitted limited possession but lacked vehicle-specific restrictions. Unsealed items now constitute transporting an open container, and secondhand smoke is illegal, holding drivers accountable even if passengers smoke. Violations result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $500, and a $250 special assessment fee funding Oklahoma's Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund. Officers may conduct field sobriety tests upon detecting marijuana odor, slurred speech, erratic driving, or related utensils. Cpl. Bobby Swatsenbarg from the Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office stated this reduces impaired drivers, making streets safer for families and children, emphasizing that driving under the influence includes any mind-altering drugs. The measure extends to all occupants, ensuring no consumption occurs during travel. This update aligns Oklahoma's regulations with broader efforts to promote responsible use amid growing medical cannabis access. Enforcement will likely increase traffic stops with scent detection, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach to vehicle-based impairment. Originally published by Tulsa Flyer, the law reflects ongoing legislative tweaks to balance legalization with public safety concerns in the state.