← North Carolina alcohol laws›Open Container Law
North Carolina Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: North Carolina prohibits possessing an open or unsealed alcoholic beverage — one no longer in the manufacturer's unopened container — or consuming alcohol in the passenger area on a highway or its right-of-way.
North Carolina prohibits possessing an open or unsealed alcoholic beverage — one no longer in the manufacturer's unopened container — or consuming alcohol in the passenger area on a highway or its right-of-way. The glove compartment counts as passenger area (NCGS 20-138.7).
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Container Law in states bordering North Carolina
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- GeorgiaRestricted
In Georgia, no person may consume an alcoholic beverage or possess an open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a motor vehicle that is on the roadway or shoulder of a public highway (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-253). …
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: law.georgia.gov · Full Georgia rule →
- South CarolinaRestricted
South Carolina makes an open container of beer or wine in a moving vehicle unlawful unless it is stored in the trunk or luggage compartment, out of the passenger area. It is a misdemeanor (S.C. Code 61-4-110).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: scstatehouse.gov · Full South Carolina 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 →
- 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 →
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