← Rhode Island alcohol laws›Open Container Law
Rhode Island Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: Rhode Island prohibits driving with an unsealed or open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a vehicle, and the ban covers the driver and passengers.
Rhode Island prohibits driving with an unsealed or open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a vehicle, and the ban covers the driver and passengers. The penalty is a fine plus a possible license suspension (R.I. Gen. Laws 31-22-21.1).
Official source: webserver.rilegislature.gov →
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Open Container Law in states bordering Rhode Island
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- ConnecticutConditional
In Connecticut it is illegal for the operator to drink: drinking any alcoholic liquor while operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, in a parking area for ten or more cars, on a private road with a posted speed limit, or on school property is a class C misdemeanor — up to 3 months' imprisonment and a fine up to $500 (C.G.S. Secs. 53a-213, 53a-36, 53a-42). …
Verified Jul 28, 2026 · Source: cga.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
- MassachusettsRestricted
Massachusetts prohibits open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle; the container must be kept in the trunk or a locked glove compartment (M.G.L. c. 90, 24I).
Verified May 31, 2026 · Source: malegislature.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
We watch the official sources behind Rhode Island alcohol rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.