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Alabama Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: Alabama prohibits open containers of alcohol — anything no longer in the manufacturer's sealed condition — in the passenger area on public highways, and the ban applies to the driver and to passengers.
Alabama prohibits open containers of alcohol — anything no longer in the manufacturer's sealed condition — in the passenger area on public highways, and the ban applies to the driver and to passengers. Exempt are the trunk, storage and cargo areas and truck beds; a locked case behind the front seat of a pickup with no trunk; self-contained campers and motor homes; passengers of for-hire vehicles, or of buses whose driver holds a CDL; and a parked vehicle with the engine off that is not on a highway right-of-way. It is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of no more than $25 and no court costs; it is not a moving violation and adds no license points (Ala. Code 32-5A-330).
Official source: alison.legislature.state.al.us →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Container Law in states bordering Alabama
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- FloridaRestricted
Florida prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area, for the driver and for passengers; alcohol is allowed if it is still sealed or is stored in a locked glove box, the trunk, or another locked area outside the passenger area. There is a limited exception for passengers in for-hire vehicles and motor homes (Fla. Stat. 316.1936).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: flsenate.gov · Full Florida rule →
- GeorgiaRestricted
In Georgia, no person may consume an alcoholic beverage or possess an open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a motor vehicle that is on the roadway or shoulder of a public highway (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-253). …
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: law.georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →
- MississippiConditional
Mississippi has no statewide open-container prohibition for vehicles — a driver or passenger may possess, and even drink from, an open container, provided the driver is not impaired under the DUI law (0.08% blood alcohol). Some local ordinances may restrict this.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: dor.ms.gov · Full Mississippi rule →
- TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee's open-container law reaches the driver only: a driver may not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle, and "operating" includes having the engine running whether or not the vehicle is moving. …
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
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