Bill > HB526

This bill establishes a new legal offense related to possessing an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle in Missouri. Specifically, the bill makes it an infraction to have an open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a vehicle while on any public thoroughfare, such as state roads, county roads, public streets, and highways. The bill defines an "open alcoholic beverage container" as any bottle, can, or receptacle containing an alcoholic beverage that is either open, has a broken seal, or has been partially consumed. The "passenger area" includes spaces designed to seat the driver and passengers, with exceptions for locked glove compartments and certain areas behind seats. The offense is classified as a minor infraction that will not be recorded by the department of revenue. The bill also includes important exceptions, such as not applying to passengers in commercial transportation vehicles or living quarters of motor homes. Notably, if the driver is alone in the vehicle, they will be considered responsible for any open containers in the passenger area. The goal of this legislation appears to be preventing open alcohol consumption in vehicles to promote public safety.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB526&year=2025&code=R