Can passengers drink alcohol in a car in Indiana?
Asked by: Beverly Nader V | Last update: July 1, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (68 votes)
In Indiana, you cannot possess an open bottle of alcohol in the passenger area of the car. Therefore, you cannot drink alcohol as a passenger in a car because this inherently means you have an open container.
Is it illegal to drink alcohol as a passenger in a car?
According to California Vehicle Code 23220 and 23221, it indicates that a driver and a passenger cannot consume alcohol or smoke/ingest marijuana or any marijuana product while in a vehicle.
What is considered an open container in Indiana?
As outlined in Indiana Code 9-30-15-3, with limited exceptions, a person in a motor vehicle that is in operation or located on the right-of-way of a public highway who possesses a container of alcohol in the passenger compartment of the vehicle that has been opened, possesses a broken seal, or which has had contents ...
What are the alcohol laws in Indiana?
- Indiana law requires permittees and their employees to check identification of any person under the age of 40 when conducting carryout sales. ...
- Sunday through Saturday, the legal hours for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages are 7:00AM to 3:00AM (IC 7.1-3-1-14). ...
- Alcoholic beverage vs.
Can you travel with alcohol in your car?
It depends on where in the vehicle. In the trunk or cargo bay, it's totally fine. Even if they're in a taped up box in the back seat, you'll be okay. It's only a problem if the bottle is within reasonable reach for its intended purpose. And thanks for not drinking and driving.
Uber- Should You Let Rideshare Passengers Drink Alcohol In Your Vehicle?
What states allow open alcohol in cars?
Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Mississippi, Missouri, Virginia, and West Virginia allow open alcohol containers in vehicles. Of these, Mississippi is the only state that allows the driver to drink – in the others, only passengers may drink.
What are the rules for Travelling with alcohol?
- For carry-on you are limited to containers of 3.4oz or less that can fit comfortably in one quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag. If it's overflowing from the bag, that isn't comfortable. ...
- For checked bags, there is no limit! I wish this was true when I was in college.
Can a passenger in a car drink alcohol in Indiana?
Are Vehicle Passengers Allowed to Have an Open Container? Passengers are allowed to be under the influence of alcohol in a moving car, but they are prohibited from having an open container in their possession.
What is the drinking driving law in Indiana?
Legal Limits
This is why most states—including Indiana—measure a person's blood-alcohol concentration, or BAC, to determine the severity of inebriation. In Indiana, as in the rest of the nation, if you have a BAC of 0.08%, you are not permitted to drive.
Can you bring your own alcohol to a bar in Indiana?
As a general rule, Indiana Code § 7.1-5-8-5(g) prohibits an individual from knowingly carrying an alcoholic beverage onto a licensed premises and/or consuming an alcoholic beverage on a licensed premises that was not purchased from the permittee at the licensed premises. This offense is a Class C misdemeanor.
How much is an open container ticket in Indiana?
Ramifications of an Open Container Conviction
This is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and fines not to exceed $1,000. Passengers who are found to have an open container will be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, which could result in up to sixty days in jail and fines of up to $500.
Can you drive with an open bottle of liquor?
In California, it is illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, whether you are the driver or a passenger.
Can you drink in an Uber in Indiana?
Exceptions to the Indiana Open Container Law
For example, it is not against the law to have an open container in a transport vehicle, such as an Uber, Lyft, or taxi. Having an open container of alcohol in the living quarters of a recreational vehicle is also permitted.
Can you drink in the back of a limo?
As a result, many states allow passengers in limos and party buses to drink on board and underway without the act constituting a crime. For instance, in California, private buses and limos can host passengers with open containers.
Does alcohol have to be in the back seat?
According to this law, you can drive with containers of alcohol if you are over 21, and the case is closed and sealed. That means you can have an open bottle of whisky in the trunk, and it's legal. You can also have a sealed bottle of wine (never uncorked) sitting next to you in the front seat, and it's legal.
How long does it take the body to get rid of one alcoholic drink?
As a general rule, most individuals process one standard drink (one beer, one glass of wine, or one shot) per hour. The human body is very effective at processing alcohol, provided that the alcohol is not consumed so quickly that alcohol poisoning occurs.
What is the new alcohol law in Indiana?
Today, the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS) applauded Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb for signing HB 1086, a bill to allow cocktails to-go in support of businesses and consumers. Indiana is now the 25th state to pass a permanent cocktails-to-go law. The bill will be effective on July 1, 2024.
Can you refuse a field sobriety test in Indiana?
The short answer is yes, you will probably be asked to complete the field tests and yes, you are allowed to refuse the SFSTs. When a police officer stops a car and suspects the driver of DUI, one of the first things the officer may do is ask the person to exit the car and perform a series of tests.
Can an 18 year old drink alcohol with a parent in Indiana?
The legal drinking age in Indiana is 21. Anyone younger than that can be charged with a crime for drinking, holding, or even being in the same car as alcohol. If you're 21 or older, you can also be charged with a crime for selling, buying, or giving alcohol to a minor.
Can you walk and drink in Indiana?
Indiana has no restrictions on the open carrying of alcohol in public spaces. Patrons are allowed to carry an alcoholic beverage in its original container out of a premise and consume it on the sidewalks, unless it's against a local ordinance.
Can you drink alcohol on a boat in Indiana?
Often, as part of these fun times we have in our boats and other personal water crafts, there is also food and drink involved, including drinks of the alcoholic kind. While legal and responsible drinking is allowed, BWI — boating while intoxicated — is not.
When did the open container law pass?
Federal Laws
In 1998, Congress passed federal legislation establishing a program to encourage states to adopt laws that ban open containers of alcoholic beverages in the entire passenger area of a motor vehicle.
Can I bring shooters in my carry-on?
Alcohol carry on is permitted, if you follow these rules. Alcohol under 70% ABV (140 proof) is allowed in carry-on bags, provided the container is less than 3.4oz (100ml). For comparison, nips are 1.7oz (50ml), and the common hip flask is 6oz (177ml).
Can you drink your own alcohol on a domestic flight?
You're welcome to bring your own food and some drinks on board. For safety reasons, we do not allow passengers to board with hot drinks (eg. coffee or tea) or bring their own alcohol for consumption during the flight.
Can you bring alcohol on a trip?
TheTSA rule of thumb is that all alcohol must be less than 140-proof (70% ABV). Whether you're packing mini bottles in your carry-on or you're bringing back a case of beer in your checked bag, make sure the alcohol is unopened and in its original packaging so you don't raise any red flags with the authorities.