Open Container
29-A M.R.S. § 2112-A — no drinking and no open alcohol in the passenger area
The driver of a vehicle on a public way is in violation when the driver or a passenger in the passenger area drinks alcohol or has an open alcoholic beverage container. The passenger area includes the glove compartment and anywhere within reach of a seat.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
- In a vehicle with no trunk, an open container may ride behind the last upright seat or somewhere no one normally sits.
- A paying passenger in a vehicle built for hire, other than a taxi, may drink.
- A passenger may drink in the living quarters of a motor home, trailer or truck camper.
- A driver with an off premise catering license may carry alcohol to or from a catered event.
Sources for this section (1)
- 29-A M.R.S. § 2112-A — Open container; drinking in a vehicle prohibited
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.