Passengers drinking in cars

todvango

Well, Sluugy, you have nearly 30 "experts" weighing in on this and based on the thumbs-up/thumbs-down fest, I think it's safe to say we are not in agreement here.

I'd like to weigh-in and say it's difficult to give you a clear cut answer because we don't know for sure where you are! Laws in various locales around the world will obviously differ somewhat. I am not trying to pick, but your question also lacks certain details. By "drinking" we are mostly assuming you mean alcohol, which has prompted many people to immediately reference the "open container law" in place in many countries around the world, including the United States, where many of your respondents are answering from. However, you never did say drinking alcohol, even though that may have been your intent.

EDIT: AH... figured as much... Since I am not from there and am not sure where to look and find your traffic laws on-line, I am going to stick with my earler recommendation...

I wouldn't be afraid to contact local law enforcement and simply ask for clarification. I see no reason why they wouldn't take a minute to explain the local law as it applies to you and you will feel better about the answer you get from them as opposed to some Internet know-it-all. Present company included!

Good luck, be safe, God bless.

confucious says

are you in the UK if so no law against the passengers drinking unless it is a coach with more than 16 seats

focus

Assuming you are talking about the UK, there is no law about the passengers drinking in the car. The law is concerning the driver not being over the legal alcohol limit whilst driving. The answers given earlier are about the laws in the states where it is totally different. However, even in the UK the passengers must not interfere with the drivers control of the car.

Katerina Beana

usually not, although sometimes party buses or limos do allow drinking of alcoholic beverages (im assuming this is what you are asking about) but i would always check with your local laws.

creviazuk

As the ASKER is from the UK...

there are NO laws regarding passengers drinking alcoholic beverages or being intoxicated unless it's the vehicle is capable of carrying more than 16 passengers.

FRANKFUSS

No, it's not. It's also a pretty retarded thing to do.

Larry S

Only if they are in an area that is separate from the driver (like a limo).

rowdy

Of course it is. The law says it's illegal to drink and drive (over a certain amount, anyway) - there's no such offence as "drinking while being a passenger in a car".

Americans - there's no "open container" law in this country.

halsca

Unless you're driving an RV like a motor home or there is a partition between the passengers and the driver like in a limousine it's highly illegal.

Campers mounted on pickup trucks are thought of as regular vehicles UNLESS they're registered as recreational vehicles, can't have commercial plates.

Open container in a motor vehicle tickets are serious, HUGE fine and TWO points on your driving record.

nosdda

No law against passengers drinking as long as the driver of the vehicle is not over the drink drive limit.

KEVIN

I......I DONT THINK SO.....I THINK YOU SHOULD CALL THE POLICE.....
LOL

fire_inur_eyes

nope---and you lose if you get caught

Steven C

if this happens tell (don't ask) the prat to get out of your car if they refuse just stop the car and refuse to move on until they get out of your car as in some cases you are responsible for their actions

Lisa T

Its only the driver that can't be under the influence. I always drive when my husband has had a drink.

Vbonics

Nope it's not. You can't have an open container of any sort of alcohol in a car (unless it's in the trunk), even if the driver isn't the one drinking. =)

Pat

No, it is not legal. The driver can actually be ticketed/arrested (depending on the laws of that state) for open container. The car is under the control of the driver at all times and all passengers are the drivers responsibility.

buddhist_20

No it's not legal. It's actually an "open container law" so no one in the vehicle should have an open container that contains alcohol. Hope that helped.

rookethorne

Of course a PASSENGER can drink in cars, its only the DRIVER whilst actually driving can not.

I bet everybody who answered no, feels like they should actually read the question.

And I noticed you specifically didn't mention alcohol.

Mr. Wiseguy

no opened alcohol in the car

uncle_buck71

Not anymore, at one time it was legal in a few states but not any longer

muffins91

ARE YOU INSANE!!!! YOU WILL END UP IN A JAIL CELL!!!! Have you ever heard of the no open container law? LOL......

rann_georgia

In limos with divided compartments, I don't think it matters. Otherwise, it depends upon the state and/or country. I think it was legal in Louisiana. I remember hearing a story on the radio that they had drive up liquior lines for mixed drinks to go.

Open containers are another matter. No one says that an open container has to have something in it.

So, a person could have been out collecting cans to sell, have some picked up some empty beer cans and be ticketed.

mrsdeli

You can't have an open container in the vehicle. Duh!!

ITS ALI!!! AND ALEXA

No its not. But why do it?

rxing

nope not legal, very very illegal.

Scott H

It depends on where you live, but in most, if not all states, it is illegal to have an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle, even if the vehicle is parked. That means driver and passengers.

bushnana

No open conatiners are allowed in vehicles. Period.

Brian

It is illegal to have open alcohol in a vehicle. Technically alcohol should only be transported in the trunk. You can drink water, pop, or juice. :)

what u talkin' bout?

NO drinking of any alcoholic beverages is allowed by anybody in any said vehicle at any time!

The Mr. Pine

Its called an open container. You can get a ticket for it.

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