Kentucky Open Container Law (2026)

Open Container Law in states bordering Kentucky

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

• IllinoisRestricted

  Illinois prohibits any alcohol in the passenger area unless it is in the original sealed container, and the rule applies to the driver and to passengers (625 ILCS 5/11-502).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →

• IndianaRestricted

  Indiana prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a moving vehicle on a public highway, for the driver and for passengers (IC 9-30-15-3).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana 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 →

• OhioRestricted

  Ohio prohibits an open container of beer or intoxicating liquor in a motor vehicle on a public road, for the driver and for passengers, with limited exceptions such as passengers in a chauffeured limousine (ORC 4301.62).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio 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 →

• VirginiaRestricted

  Virginia prohibits drinking while driving, and it enforces that through a presumption: an open, partially consumed container in the passenger area, together with signs of consumption, creates a rebuttable presumption that the driver drank (a Class 4 misdemeanor). The trunk and other areas that cannot be reached are excluded (Va. Code 18.2-323.1).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

• West VirginiaConditional

  West Virginia law restricts only drinking, by the driver and by passengers; carrying an open or previously opened container in the passenger area is generally allowed, unlike in most states. Driver consumption is prohibited (W. Va. Code 17C-5-2 et seq.).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →