What is the open container law in Indiana?
Asked by: Laura Kautzer | Last update: January 7, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (27 votes)
Indiana's open container law, explicitly prohibits anyone operating a motor vehicle, including boats, cars, trucks, and 18-wheelers, from having an open container of alcohol within reach of the driver. However, this law does not apply to individuals traveling in motor homes.
Can passengers drink alcohol in a car in Indiana?
In Indiana, it's completely illegal to have an open alcoholic beverage inside a moving vehicle. This applies if the beverage is open, if it has a broken seal, or if some of the beverage's contents have already been removed from the container.
Can I drink in public in Indiana?
Generally, there are no restrictions on drinking in public in Indiana. This means that it is completely legal for adults, over the age of 21, to carry and consume alcohol in public and on sidewalks.
What is the new alcohol law in Indiana?
Indiana is now the 25th state to pass a permanent cocktails-to-go law. The bill will be effective on July 1, 2024.
Can a passenger in a car drink beer?
It is perfectly legal for a passenger in a private car to drink alcoholic drinks. It is also technically legal for a driver to do so as long as they do not consume enough to take them over the permitted level of alcohol. However it would be much more sensible to refrain from drinking any alcohol while driving.
People React To DUI Laws(1980s News Report)
Which states allow open containers in cars?
Except for one state, Guam, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, all states have laws prohibiting the consumption or possession of open containers of alcohol while in a motor vehicle. Mississippi and the Virgin Islands do not have statutes regulating the consumption or possession of alcohol in motor vehicles.
Why are you allowed to drink in a limo?
According to the Los Angeles DUI Attorney, California Vehicle Code (VC) 23221 states that drivers and passengers in cars, trucks, SUVs, and other personal vehicles can't drink or possess an open container. However, one of the exceptions to VC 23221 includes limousine passengers.
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.
Is carryout alcohol legal in Indiana?
Can you buy cold beer for carryout in Indiana? Yes, but only at liquor stores. Grocery stores, convenience stores and pharmacies are not allowed to sell cold beer. This is another rule liquor stores have objected to changing over the years as it sets their business apart from other retailers.
What is the happy hour law in Indiana?
Under the new law, bars can offer specials four hours a day, 15 hours a week, except between 9 p.m. and 3 a.m. Also, there are no two-for-one or bottomless drink specials. Indiana Restaurant and Lodging Association has been working closely with businesses to make sure owners know all the guidelines.
Can you walk around with a beer in Indiana?
There is no explicit open container law in Indiana; which means, generally, that individuals are permitted to carry alcoholic drinks in public and on sidewalks.
Can someone sleep if they have alcohol poisoning?
A person with alcohol poisoning needs medical help in a hospital. You shouldn't try to treat it at home or “sleep it off.” A major danger of alcohol poisoning is choking on your vomit, which can happen when you're unconscious or sleeping. This can cause death.
What states allow 18 year olds to drink?
With the exception of five states (Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, New Hampshire, and West Virginia), all states and Washington, D.C., allow underage consumption of alcohol under limited circumstances, such as in the presence of parents, for religious or medical purposes, or while in a class that requires tasting.
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.
What is the code for open container in Indiana?
Indiana's open container law, explicitly prohibits anyone operating a motor vehicle, including boats, cars, trucks, and 18-wheelers, from having an open container of alcohol within reach of the driver. However, this law does not apply to individuals traveling in motor homes.
What does "happy hour" mean at a bar?
a period of time during which a restaurant or bar sells drinks at a reduced price. (Definition of happy hour from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)
Can bartenders drink on the job in Indiana?
(1) Prohibit the illegal use of drugs and the use of alcohol at the workplace by all employees. (2) Require that employees shall not be under the influence of alcohol or be engaging in the illegal use of drugs at the workplace.
Can you leave a restaurant with alcohol?
In California (probably most states), you can take home your leftover wine. If you're driving, you need to be aware of the open container laws - a bottle that has been opened and recorked/recapped must be not accessible to the vehicle occupants (if in a car - in a bus, limousine or RV it's a bit different).
Can kids sit in the bar area in Indiana?
The law permits all minors under 21 to be present in a bar area -- as long as the child is with a family member at least 21-years-old. Previously, the law allowed minors ages 18 and 20 to sit in the bar area to order food. That's according to the State of Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
Can you take a baby into a liquor store in Indiana?
With the exception of certain employees, minors are not allowed in liquor stores.
Can I buy alcohol on Sundays in Indiana?
That ban was repealed when Senate Bill 1 was signed by Gov. Eric Holcomb on February 28, 2018. Effective March 4, 2018, convenience stores, grocers, and liquor stores may sell alcohol from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Sundays and from 7:00 AM to 3:00 AM Monday-Saturday.
Is it illegal to drink in the backseat of a car?
According to California Vehicle Code 23222, California prohibits the possession of an open alcoholic container in vehicles regardless whether you are a driver or a passenger.
Can the driver see you in a limo?
Sure, limos have privacy screens. And yes, your driver may not be able to see what's going on inside the passenger area once that screen's been raised, but have some consideration for the party that rents the vehicle after you.
Why can you drink on a party bus but not a car?
You might be wondering why party buses often allow alcohol consumption, especially when open container laws generally prohibit drinking in moving vehicles. There are a few reasons for this: Private Rental: Party buses are often considered private rentals.
How long does it take the body to metabolize one drink?
Time is the only thing that will remove alcohol from the system (about an hour per standard drink). Alcohol does not require digestion.