← Illinois alcohol laws›Open Container Law

Illinois Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: 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).

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

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Official source: ilga.gov →

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Open Container Law in states bordering Illinois

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IndianaRestricted
Indiana prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger compartment of a moving vehicle on a public highway, for the driver and for passengers (IC 9-30-15-3).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
IowaRestricted
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).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: legis.iowa.gov · Full Iowa rule →
KentuckyRestricted
Kentucky prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public roadway, and drinking while driving is also barred (KRS 189.530).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky 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 →
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 →

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