Bill > HB1859

This bill establishes a new legal offense of possessing an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, which applies to any public roadway including state, county, and city streets. 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" is defined as the space designed for drivers and passengers, excluding locked glove compartments and certain cargo areas. Possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in this area will be classified as an infraction that will not be recorded on Department of Revenue records. The law does not apply to passengers in commercial transportation vehicles or living quarters of motor homes. If a driver is alone in a vehicle, they will be considered responsible for any open containers in the passenger area. This legislation aims to discourage and penalize the presence of open alcoholic beverages in vehicles, which could potentially contribute to impaired driving risks.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1859&year=2026&code=R