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Utah Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: 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).

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

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Official source: le.utah.gov →

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

Open Container Law in states bordering Utah

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 →
ColoradoRestricted
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)). …
Verified Jul 29, 2026 · Source: csp.colorado.gov · Full Colorado 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 →
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 →
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 →

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