← California alcohol laws›Open Container Law

California Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: 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.

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

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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.

Official source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov →

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Open Container Law in states bordering California

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

ArizonaRestricted
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).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: azleg.gov · Full Arizona 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 →
OregonRestricted
Oregon prohibits an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle, for the driver and for passengers, whether the vehicle is moving or parked on a highway (ORS 811.170).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: oregonlegislature.gov · Full Oregon rule →

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