← Mississippi alcohol laws›Open Container Law

Mississippi Open Container Law (2026)

Conditional: 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).

ConditionalVerified May 31, 2026

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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.

Official source: dor.ms.gov →

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

Open Container Law in states bordering Mississippi

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

AlabamaRestricted
Alabama prohibits open containers of alcohol — anything no longer in the manufacturer's sealed condition — in the passenger area on public highways, and the ban applies to the driver and to passengers. …
Verified Jul 26, 2026 · Source: alison.legislature.state.al.us · Full Alabama rule →
ArkansasRestricted
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). …
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: arkleg.state.ar.us · Full Arkansas rule →
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 →
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 →

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