Maryland Open Container Law (2026)

Open Container Law in states bordering Maryland

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

• DelawareInfo

  Delaware has no general open-container law — it does not prohibit an open container in a vehicle's passenger area, and passengers 21 and older may drink alcohol in a moving vehicle. The driver can still be charged with DUI. A 2023–24 bill to create a ban (HB119) did not become law.

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: oabcc.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →

• District of ColumbiaRestricted

  In the District of Columbia it is unlawful to drink or to possess an open container of alcohol in any public space, including in a vehicle on a public street, whether moving or parked. It is a misdemeanor (DC Code 25-1001).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: code.dccouncil.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →

• PennsylvaniaRestricted

  Pennsylvania bars the driver and passengers alike from possessing an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle on a highway; it is a summary offense (75 Pa.C.S. 3809).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →

• VirginiaRestricted

  Virginia prohibits drinking while driving, and it enforces that through a presumption: an open, partially consumed container in the passenger area, together with signs of consumption, creates a rebuttable presumption that the driver drank (a Class 4 misdemeanor). The trunk and other areas that cannot be reached are excluded (Va. Code 18.2-323.1).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

• West VirginiaConditional

  West Virginia law restricts only drinking, by the driver and by passengers; carrying an open or previously opened container in the passenger area is generally allowed, unlike in most states. Driver consumption is prohibited (W. Va. Code 17C-5-2 et seq.).

  Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →