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 Nebraska, 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, as per Nebraska Revised Statute 60-6,211. This law applies to all occupants of the vehicle, not just the driver. Violation of this open container law is typically charged as a misdemeanor. Penalties for an open container violation can include fines and potentially points on the driver's license, which could affect insurance rates. However, Nebraska law does not generally impose a driver's license suspension or jail time for simple open container violations. It's important to note that these laws can be strictly enforced, and the specifics can vary by locality within the state, so it's advisable to consult with an attorney for detailed guidance on a particular situation.