← District of Columbia alcohol laws›Open Container Law
District of Columbia Open Container Law (2026)
Restricted: In the District of Columbia it is unlawful to drink or to possess an open container of alcohol in any public space, including in a vehicle on a public street, whether moving or parked.
In the District of Columbia it is unlawful to drink or to possess an open container of alcohol in any public space, including in a vehicle on a public street, whether moving or parked. It is a misdemeanor (DC Code 25-1001).
Official source: code.dccouncil.gov →
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 appWe watch the official sources behind District of Columbia alcohol rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.