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Tennessee Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: Tennessee's open-container law reaches the DRIVER only: a driver may not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle, and "operating" includes having the engine running whether or not the vehicle is moving.

Tennessee's open-container law reaches the DRIVER only: a driver may not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle, and "operating" includes having the engine running whether or not the vehicle is moving. State law expressly allows PASSENGERS to possess an open container and to consume alcohol in the vehicle (Tenn. Code § 55-10-416) — Tennessee is one of the few states that does not extend the ban to passengers. Penalty: Class C misdemeanor, punishable only by a fine of up to $50.

Official source: wapp.capitol.tn.gov →

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