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Arizona Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: Arizona prohibits open containers of spirituous liquor in the passenger compartment on a public highway, and the ban covers the driver and passengers alike.

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

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Arizona prohibits open containers of spirituous liquor in the passenger compartment on a public highway, and the ban covers the driver and passengers alike. There are exemptions for buses, taxis, limousines, rideshare vehicles and motorhome living quarters. A violation is a class 2 misdemeanor (A.R.S. 4-251).

Official source: azleg.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Container Law in states bordering Arizona

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

CaliforniaRestricted
California prohibits open containers of alcohol in a vehicle on a public road, for both the driver (VC 23222) and passengers (VC 23223); the trunk and unoccupied areas are exempt. There are exceptions for passengers in for-hire buses, limousines and certain recreational vehicles. A violation is an infraction of about $250.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Full California rule →
ColoradoRestricted
In Colorado, open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway — drinking, or merely possessing an open container while seated there, is a class A traffic infraction (C.R.S. 42-4-1305(2)(c)). …
Verified Jul 29, 2026 · Source: csp.colorado.gov · Full Colorado rule →
NevadaRestricted
Nevada prohibits an open container of alcohol in the passenger area, and drinking while driving, for the driver and for passengers on a public highway (NRS 484B.150). There are exceptions for passengers in taxis, limousines, buses and similar for-hire vehicles.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: leg.state.nv.us · Full Nevada rule →
New MexicoRestricted
New Mexico prohibits an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area; drinking, or possessing an open container, in a moving or parked vehicle on a public highway is barred for the driver and for passengers (NMSA 66-8-138).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: nmonesource.com · Full New Mexico rule →
UtahRestricted
Utah makes an open container in the passenger area of a vehicle on a highway unlawful; the ban does not apply to the trunk or other areas that cannot be reached, or to passengers in licensed limousines and chartered buses (Utah Code 41-6a-526).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: le.utah.gov · Full Utah rule →

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