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Missouri Open Container Law (2026)

Conditional: 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).

ConditionalVerified May 31, 2026

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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.

Official source: revisor.mo.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Open Container Law in states bordering Missouri

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

ArkansasRestricted
In Arkansas it is unlawful to possess an open alcoholic beverage container in the area designed to seat the driver or a passenger while the vehicle is in operation, or in any area readily accessible from a seated position while the vehicle is on a public highway or its right-of-way (A.C.A. § 5-71-218, Act 849 of 2017). …
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: arkleg.state.ar.us · Full Arkansas rule →
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 →
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 →
KansasRestricted
Kansas prohibits having or transporting an open container of alcohol, for the driver and for passengers; it must be kept in a locked compartment, the trunk, or behind the last upright seat (K.S.A. 8-1599).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: ksrevenue.gov · Full Kansas 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 →
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 →
OklahomaRestricted
Oklahoma prohibits transporting or possessing an open or broken-seal container of beer, wine or spirits in a moving vehicle on a public road, with exceptions for limousines and buses. It is a misdemeanor.
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: oklahoma.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
TennesseeRestricted
Tennessee's open-container law reaches the driver only: a driver may not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle, and "operating" includes having the engine running whether or not the vehicle is moving. …
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →

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