Open Container Laws in Ohio
In Ohio, you can be fined $150 for having any opened container of alcohol in the passenger area of your car, even if you’re completely sober.
Written by Sara Brody
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Under Ohio’s open container law, you could receive a $150 fine if you have an open container of alcohol in your car, even if you haven’t had a drop to drink. If you consume alcohol while driving, the penalties are much harsher, including a fine of $250 and up to 30 days in jail.
In the US, open container laws vary from state to state, so it’s essential to know your local rules. Luckily,
car insurance
comparison and broker app Jerry
is here with a guide to everything you need to know about open container laws in Ohio. Read on to learn the basics of the law, as well as important exceptions, so you can avoid a violation and keep your Ohio insurance rates
low. RECOMMENDED
Compare auto insurance policies
No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
What is the open container law in Ohio?
Section 4301.62
of the Ohio Revised Code, updated as of March 23, 2022, deals with circumstances in which opened containers of beer or liquor are prohibited. According to this law, you can get a citation if you have an open or unsealed container (e.g. a can, bottle, or other receptacle) containing any amount of alcohol in your car, unless you’ve paid to ride in a limousine and are sitting in the back. In short, having any kind of open container of alcohol in your car is illegal in Ohio in most circumstances, even if you haven’t had a drop to drink. The only exceptions are luxurious rides in a rented limo, or securely storing a bottle of wine that has been opened and resealed.
What counts as an open container?
Ohio law doesn’t explicitly define what is considered an “open container,” but you should play things safe and assume it refers to more than just a cup with no lid or an open can of beer. To err on the side of caution, avoid driving with a container that holds any amount of alcohol and has had the seal broken or contents removed.
Exceptions to Ohio’s open container law
There is are two key exceptions to Ohio’s open container law. First, a passenger seated in the back of a chauffeured limousine may carry an open container during the ride.
Another exception to the rule is if you have resealed an open bottle of wine and store it securely in the trunk of your car or behind the upright seat in an area not typically occupied by passengers.
Key Takeaway If you’re caught driving with an open container of alcohol in Ohio, you could be fined up to $150.
Penalties for violating Ohio’s open container law
In Ohio, driving with an open container is considered a minor misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $150. However, the penalties are much more severe if evidence indicates that you also consumed alcohol while driving. In that case, you’ll be guilty of a misdemeanor in the fourth degree, punishable by a fine of up to $250 and a maximum of 30 days in jail.
If you are pulled over with an open container, you’ll be required to take a breathalyzer test. If your results are positive or if you refuse to take the test, you can wind up with a license suspension to boot.
With or without a license suspension, an open container citation creates a criminal record that could lead to significant hikes in your insurance rate. To avoid rising premiums, it’s important to understand the details of the law.
MORE:
Ohio DUI laws
How to save money on car insurance in Ohio
Following the law and driving safely are two great ways to keep your car insurance premium low. Another way is to download Jerry's
trustworthy insurance comparison app
.Partnered with dozens of top providers,
Jerry
doesn’t just give you generic quotes—we find the lowest rates available based on your specific demographics, driving history, and other unique needs. Just download the app, enter your information, and find big savings at your fingertips within seconds!“My past tickets were making it hard to find affordable insurance. WithJerry, I went from paying $450/month to $273/month. They took care of everything—such a relief!” —Josephine R.
Compare insurance quotes from 50+ carriers with Jerry in under 45 seconds (Title in payload)
4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversWho gets the ticket for an open container in Ohio?
Both you and your passengers can receive citations for open container violations on Ohio roads.
What happens if you deny a breathalyzer in Ohio?
Your license can be suspended if you refuse to take a breathalyzer test in Ohio.
Are you overpaying for car insurance?
Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.
4.7You might also be interested
