What constitutes a misdemeanor when driving in the CNMI?

Driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor is classified as a misdemeanor because it poses a significant risk not only to the driver but also to passengers and other road users. Operating a vehicle while impaired can severely impair judgment, reaction time, and overall motor skills, which increases the likelihood of accidents and endangers public safety. This type of offense is taken very seriously due to its potential consequences, including injury or loss of life, making it a misdemeanor under the legal framework of the CNMI.

In contrast, while other infractions such as driving with an expired registration, not wearing a seatbelt, or lacking a valid inspection sticker can lead to penalties and fines, they do not carry the same level of immediate risk to safety as driving under the influence. These actions might result in civil infractions or other less severe legal consequences, but they are not categorized as misdemeanors like DUI offenses are.