← Alabama alcohol laws›Open Container Law

Alabama Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: Alabama prohibits open containers of alcohol — anything no longer in the manufacturer's sealed condition — in the passenger area on public highways, and the ban applies to the driver and to passengers.

RestrictedVerified Jul 26, 2026
Alcohol laws change at the state line.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app and get an alert when you cross into a state where they differ. No account.Get the app

Alabama prohibits open containers of alcohol — anything no longer in the manufacturer's sealed condition — in the passenger area on public highways, and the ban applies to the driver and to passengers. Exempt are the trunk, storage and cargo areas and truck beds; a locked case behind the front seat of a pickup with no trunk; self-contained campers and motor homes; passengers of for-hire vehicles, or of buses whose driver holds a CDL; and a parked vehicle with the engine off that is not on a highway right-of-way. It is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of no more than $25 and no court costs; it is not a moving violation and adds no license points (Ala. Code 32-5A-330).

Official source: alison.legislature.state.al.us →

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

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app
Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Alabama alcohol rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.

LawLert is an independent app, not affiliated with any government — informational only, not legal advice. Verify with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.