← Minnesota alcohol laws›Open Container Law
Minnesota Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: 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).
Official source: revisor.mn.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Container Law in states bordering Minnesota
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- 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 →
- North DakotaRestricted
North Dakota prohibits having an open or unsealed container of alcohol in the passenger area on a public highway; open containers must be kept in the trunk or an area that is not normally occupied (NDCC 39-08).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: ndlegis.gov · Full North Dakota 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 →
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