Virginia alcohol lawsOpen Container Law

Virginia Open Container Law (2026)

Restricted: Restricted (presumption law). Drinking while driving is prohibited; an open, partially consumed container in the passenger area plus signs of consumption creates a rebuttable presumption the driver drank (Class 4 misdemeanor).

RestrictedVerified May 31, 2026

Restricted (presumption law). Drinking while driving is prohibited; an open, partially consumed container in the passenger area plus signs of consumption creates a rebuttable presumption the driver drank (Class 4 misdemeanor). Trunk/inaccessible areas excluded. (Va. Code 18.2-323.1.)

Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov

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