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Colorado Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: Open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway — drinking, or merely possessing an open container while seated there, is a class A traffic infraction (C.R.S. 42-4-1305(2)(c)).

Open alcoholic beverage containers are prohibited in the passenger area of a vehicle on a public highway — drinking, or merely possessing an open container while seated there, is a class A traffic infraction (C.R.S. 42-4-1305(2)(c)). Colorado applies the same rule to cannabis: using marijuana or having an open marijuana container in the passenger area is also a class A traffic infraction (C.R.S. 42-4-1305.5(2)(c)). State Patrol guidance: containers must be carried where they are not readily accessible to the driver or passengers.

Official source: csp.colorado.gov →

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