← Arkansas alcohol laws›Open Container Law
Arkansas Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: 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).
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). It is not an offense if the container is outside the passenger area — such as the trunk or cargo area — in a locked area of the vehicle including a glove compartment or center console, or in a permanently sealed container. A passenger, but never the driver, may also possess one within the living quarters or passenger-only area of a for-hire vehicle, recreational vehicle, motor home or house trailer, so long as it is not readily accessible to the driver. The penalty is a Class C misdemeanor.
Official source: arkleg.state.ar.us →
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