Crime & Safety
Ask a Trooper: Can I Drink in the Car?
Public Information Officer Lt. J. Paul Vance of the state police provides answers to your law enforcement questions.
Reader Question: I remember the state at some point was debating banning open containers of alcohol in vehicles. So what is the law on that now?
Response from Lt. J. Paul Vance: The operator of a motor vehicle can not possess an “Open Container” in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, that he or she had been drinking from. However, if the operator has other occupants in the vehicle with him or her, those occupants can possess an open container, and in fact drink from it, as long as they are not operating the vehicle and are over 21.
An open container is acceptable in a locked trunk of a vehicle in any case. Any violation of this law (53a-213 “Drinking While Driving), would be “Class C Misdemeanor,” which would require a mandatory court appearance. Persons would be subject up to a $500 fine and/or up to 3 months imprisonment.
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Lt. Vance spoke with Connecticut traffic enforcement officers to answer this Patch reader question.
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