← Ohio alcohol laws›Open Container Law

Ohio Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: 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).

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

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Official source: codes.ohio.gov →

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Open Container Law in states bordering Ohio

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

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 →
KentuckyRestricted
Kentucky prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public roadway, and drinking while driving is also barred (KRS 189.530).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MichiganRestricted
Michigan prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway; they must be kept in the trunk or an area the occupants cannot reach (MCL 257.624a).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: legislature.mi.gov · Full Michigan rule →
PennsylvaniaRestricted
Pennsylvania bars the driver and passengers alike from possessing an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle on a highway; it is a summary offense (75 Pa.C.S. 3809).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania 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 →

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