← Oregon alcohol laws›Open Container Law

Oregon Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: 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).

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

Alcohol laws change at state, county and city lines.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, or into a dry county where LawLert has the local rule, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: oregonlegislature.gov →

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

Open Container Law in states bordering Oregon

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

CaliforniaRestricted
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.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov · Full California rule →
IdahoRestricted
Idaho prohibits open containers of alcohol for the driver and for passengers, and opened containers must be carried in the trunk or behind the last upright seat (I.C. 23-505).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: legislature.idaho.gov · Full Idaho 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 →
WashingtonRestricted
Washington bars the driver and passengers from possessing an open container in the vehicle; an open or previously opened container must be kept in the trunk or another area that cannot be reached (RCW 46.61.519).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: app.leg.wa.gov · Full Washington rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Oregon alcohol rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.