← Iowa alcohol laws›Open Container Law
Iowa Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: Iowa prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area, for the driver and for passengers, and any opened container must be kept in the trunk or another area occupants cannot reach (Iowa Code 321.284).
Official source: legis.iowa.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Container Law in states bordering Iowa
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- IllinoisRestricted
Illinois prohibits any alcohol in the passenger area unless it is in the original sealed container, and the rule applies to the driver and to passengers (625 ILCS 5/11-502).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
- MinnesotaRestricted
Minnesota prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle, which includes an unlocked glove compartment and any area the occupants can reach (Minn. Stat. 169A.35).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: revisor.mn.gov · Full Minnesota rule →
- MissouriConditional
Missouri has no statewide ban on a passenger having or drinking alcohol in a vehicle; only the driver is barred from drinking while operating it (RSMo 577.017). Many municipalities — Springfield, for example — prohibit open containers locally, so the rules vary by city.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
- NebraskaRestricted
Nebraska prohibits open containers in the passenger area, and any opened container must be kept where occupants cannot reach it, such as the trunk. This applies to the driver and to passengers (Neb. Rev. Stat. 60-6,211.08).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: nebraskalegislature.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
- South DakotaRestricted
In South Dakota no person may consume or possess an open or unsealed alcoholic beverage in a vehicle on a public highway; the original seal must be unbroken. It is a Class 2 misdemeanor and applies to the driver and to passengers.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: sdlegislature.gov · Full South Dakota rule →
- WisconsinRestricted
Wisconsin bars both the driver and passengers from possessing alcohol in an open or unsealed container in the passenger area of a vehicle on a highway; a violation is a forfeiture — a civil citation (Wis. Stat. 346.935).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: docs.legis.wisconsin.gov · Full Wisconsin rule →
We watch the official sources behind Iowa alcohol rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.