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open container

In most states it is illegal to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public roadway or on the shoulder of a public roadway. These open container laws vary from state to state and a few states allow a passenger to possess and consume an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

Open container offenses are usually charged as a misdemeanor or as an infraction, and penalties may include a fine, driver’s license suspension, and jail time.

Open container laws are located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code, the transportation code, or the motor vehicle code.

In Kentucky, it is illegal under KRS 189A.010(1)(d) to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public highway. The law applies to all occupants of the vehicle, including the driver and passengers. Kentucky's open container law is designed to discourage drinking and driving by preventing the consumption of alcohol within easy reach of the driver. Violating the open container law is a misdemeanor offense, and penalties can include fines. However, Kentucky does not impose a driver's license suspension or jail time for an open container violation alone. It's important to note that some local jurisdictions within Kentucky may have their own open container ordinances that could impose additional restrictions or penalties.

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Criminal charges

open container

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Kentucky State Code

Kentucky State Code

Criminal charges

open container

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