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Arkansas Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: In Arkansas it is unlawful to possess an open alcoholic beverage container in the area designed to seat the driver or a passenger while the vehicle is in operation, or in any area readily accessible from a seated position while the vehicle is on a public highway or its right-of-way (A.C.A. § 5-71-218, Act 849 of 2017).
In Arkansas it is unlawful to possess an open alcoholic beverage container in the area designed to seat the driver or a passenger while the vehicle is in operation, or in any area readily accessible from a seated position while the vehicle is on a public highway or its right-of-way (A.C.A. § 5-71-218, Act 849 of 2017). It is not an offense if the container is outside the passenger area — such as the trunk or cargo area — in a locked area of the vehicle including a glove compartment or center console, or in a permanently sealed container. A passenger, but never the driver, may also possess one within the living quarters or passenger-only area of a for-hire vehicle, recreational vehicle, motor home or house trailer, so long as it is not readily accessible to the driver. The penalty is a Class C misdemeanor.
Official source: arkleg.state.ar.us →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Container Law in states bordering Arkansas
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- LouisianaRestricted
Louisiana prohibits open containers in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway, for the driver and for passengers, with limited exceptions (R.S. 32:300). Note that New Orleans allows open containers — plastic "go cups" — for pedestrians on foot in some areas, but not in vehicles.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: legis.la.gov · Full Louisiana 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 →
- MissouriConditional
Missouri has no statewide ban on a passenger having or drinking alcohol in a vehicle; only the driver is barred from drinking while operating it (RSMo 577.017). Many municipalities — Springfield, for example — prohibit open containers locally, so the rules vary by city.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- OklahomaRestricted
Oklahoma prohibits transporting or possessing an open or broken-seal container of beer, wine or spirits in a moving vehicle on a public road, with exceptions for limousines and buses. It is a misdemeanor.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: oklahoma.gov · Full Oklahoma 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 →
- TexasRestricted
Texas makes knowingly possessing an open container in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway — parked or moving — a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500. Exceptions cover passengers in hire vehicles such as a bus, taxi or limousine, and recreational-vehicle living quarters (Penal Code 49.031).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: statutes.capitol.texas.gov · Full Texas rule →
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