Open Container Law
March 22, 2010
Everyone knows that you cannot Drink and Drive but it usually refers to a party, restaurant or bar. They are aware of drunk driving and what steps are needed to avoid a DUI. Such things as a designated driver or calling a taxi to prevent a crash are used to avoid the extensive penalties for an alcohol related crash.
Many are not aware of something called the Open Container Law.
In 1998, The Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, known as TEA-21 included the Restoration Act which is a Federal program to encourage states to pass laws that would prevent someone from possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage while they are driving or in the passenger areas of a vehicle. If a state does not pass this type of law, a portion of their funding for highway construction would have to be set aside for enforcing drunk driving laws, and provide countermeasures for alcohol impaired drivers.