Open Container Laws

Open container laws state that there must be no possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages by any passengers, anywhere in a motor vehicle on a public highway or right-of-way. Although the Federal Government has encouraged all states to pass open container laws, some states have resisted governmental efforts to interfere with their state laws. Right now there are thirty-nine states which meet the full federal requirements. The remaining eleven states have various statutes and laws. Most noticeably, open containers are allowed in the New Orleans' French Quarter and the Las Vegas Strip to promote tourism.

Proponents of open container laws claim they are needed to raise the quality of life for community residents and businesses, reduce motor vehicle accidents by eliminating the right of drivers and passengers to consume beer while they drive, and allow states to keep their federal highway construction fund subsidies.