Tougher Tennessee open container law could mean more money for roads

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Posted: 3:10 PM Apr 1, 2008 Tougher Tennessee open container law could mean more money for roads A legislative proposal for a stricter open-container law in Tennessee could allow state officials to spend more money on infrastructure projects instead of safety programs.

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- A legislative proposal for a stricter open-container law in Tennessee could allow state officials to spend more money on infrastructure projects instead of safety programs.

State officials say that about $15 million of road-building money is currently diverted because the state rules don't meet with federal standards. About $12 million of that federal money is instead directed to the state's road safety programs.

It's currently illegal for any driver to drink while driving, but the law doesn't apply to passengers. A bill advancing out of committee in the House on Tuesday would expand the ban to anybody riding in a vehicle.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Jon Lundberg, a Bristol Republican, would lift the limitations on how the state spends the federal road money.

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(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Latest Comments

Posted by: Phyllis Location: Luttrell, Tn on Apr 2, 2008 at 02:34 PM

I am and have been a designated driver my entire married life (26 years). This bill will do nothing but get me in trouble for keeping a loved one from driving while impaired. You try telling a person who's had a few that they can't have another. They'll just start driving themselves. I say if I get fined for doing the right thing then oh well fine me. But at least name the road I build after me.

Posted by: Darlene Location: I forgot????? on Apr 1, 2008 at 09:03 PM

I guess they're working on more ways to collect a few more dollars....

Posted by: noname Location: somewhere on Apr 1, 2008 at 04:09 PM

This is NONSENSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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