Bill No.: SF0033                  Drafter:  DKG

LSO No.:  07LSO-0183              Effective Date:  7/1/2007

Enrolled Act No.:  SEA0071

Chapter No.:

Prime Sponsor:     Senator Ross

Catch Title:       Open containers of alcohol.

Subject:  Prohibition of open containers while motor vehicles are in motion.

Summary/Major Elements:

· Under current law a person cannot consume or possess alcoholic beverages while operating a motor vehicle.

· This act expands that prohibition to consuming, transporting or possessing an alcoholic beverage by any person in a motor vehicle in motion.

· The act provides exceptions for carrying the alcoholic beverages in the trunk of vehicles, in the unoccupied back of pickup trucks, in the unoccupied rear compartment of a vehicle without a trunk, secured in a cabinet or compartment of a recreational vehicle, all not accessible to the driver.

· There is an exception for passengers in vehicles designed and maintained as vehicles to transport people for hire.

· The new provision does not apply within the boundaries of any municipality prohibiting the possession of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Comments:

· Popular name – Open container law.