4-251

4-251. Spirituous liquor in motor vehicles;
prohibitions; violation; classification; exceptions;
definitions

A. It is unlawful for any person to:

1. Consume spirituous liquor while operating or while within the passenger
compartment of a motor vehicle that is located on any public highway or right-of-way of a
public highway in this state.

2. Possess an open container of spirituous liquor within the passenger compartment
of a motor vehicle that is located on any public highway or right-of-way of a public
highway in this state.

B. A person who violates subsection A of this section is guilty of a class 2
misdemeanor.

C. This section does not apply to:

1. A passenger in any bus, limousine or taxi.

2. A passenger in the living quarters of a motor home as defined in section
28-4301.

D. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Motor vehicle" means any vehicle that is driven or drawn by mechanical power
and that is designed primarily for use on public highways. Motor vehicle does not include
a vehicle operated exclusively on rails.

2. "Open container" means any bottle, can, jar or other receptacle that contains
spirituous liquor and that has been opened, has had its seal broken or the contents of
which have been partially removed.

3. "Passenger compartment" means the area of a motor vehicle designed for the
seating of the driver and other passengers of the vehicle. Passenger compartment includes
an unlocked glove compartment and any unlocked portable devices within the immediate
reach of the driver or any passengers. Passenger compartment does not include the trunk,
a locked glove compartment or the area behind the last upright seat of a motor vehicle
that is not equipped with a trunk.

4. "Public highway or right-of-way of a public highway" means the entire width
between and immediately adjacent to the boundary lines of every way maintained by the
federal government, this state or a county, city or town if any part of the way is
generally open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.