← Colorado alcohol laws›Open Container Law
Colorado Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: 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)).
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)). Colorado applies the same rule to cannabis: using marijuana or having an open marijuana container in the passenger area is also a class A traffic infraction (C.R.S. 42-4-1305.5(2)(c)). State Patrol guidance: containers must be carried where they are not readily accessible to the driver or passengers.
Official source: csp.colorado.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Container Law in states bordering Colorado
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 →
- KansasRestricted
Kansas prohibits having or transporting an open container of alcohol, for the driver and for passengers; it must be kept in a locked compartment, the trunk, or behind the last upright seat (K.S.A. 8-1599).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: ksrevenue.gov · Full Kansas rule →
- NebraskaRestricted
Nebraska prohibits open containers in the passenger area, and any opened container must be kept where occupants cannot reach it, such as the trunk. This applies to the driver and to passengers (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,211.08).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · Full Nebraska 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 →
- 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 →
- 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 →
- WyomingRestricted
In Wyoming no person may consume, transport or possess an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle while it is in motion on a public street or highway unless it is: in the original unopened container with the seal unbroken; in the trunk or another outside compartment not readily accessible to anyone in the vehicle; in the unoccupied bed of a pickup out of the driver's reach; in an unoccupied rear compartment not normally occupied by passengers and not …
Verified Jul 28, 2026 · Source: wyoleg.gov · Full Wyoming rule →
We watch the official sources behind Colorado alcohol rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.