Higher open container fines urged

Oklahoma lawmakers are being urged to increase fines for driving with an open container of alcohol. <br><br>The fine for driving with an open container is currently 50 dollars. Representative Lance Cargill

Saturday, October 4th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Oklahoma lawmakers are being urged to increase fines for driving with an open container of alcohol.

The fine for driving with an open container is currently 50 dollars. Representative Lance Cargill of Harrah says that's far below the national average of 268 dollars.

Cargill has told the House Criminal Justice Committee that the state's fine is too low to deter offenses.

He says he'll introduce legislation to increase the fine for transporting an open container to 500 dollars. Fourteen other states have already boosted their fine to that level.

Some members of the committee say revenue from increased fines should go toward programs aimed at decreasing alcohol offenses, like drug court.