GroundRules
← Search the law
West Virginia · Through as of 2026-08-03; contains at least the enactments of the 2026 Regular Session · Newer source version available

W. Va. Code § 17C-5D-3: Possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of a motor vehicle; exceptions; penalties.

Read at publisher ↗
Where this section sits in the code
  1. CHAPTER 17C. TRAFFIC REGULATIONS AND LAWS OF THE ROAD.
  2. ARTICLE 5D. OPEN CONTAINER LAWS.

(a) It is unlawful for the operator or a passenger of a motor vehicle to consume any alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle located on a public highway or right-of-way of a public highway in this state, whether the vehicle is in motion or at rest.

(b) It is unlawful for the operator or a passenger of a motor vehicle to knowingly possess any open alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area of any motor vehicle that is located on a public highway or right-of-way of a public highway in this state, whether the vehicle is in motion or at rest. Possession by a person of one or more open containers in a single criminal occurrence is a single offense.

(c) The provisions of this section are not applicable to a passenger:

(1) In the passenger area of a motor vehicle designed, maintained or used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation including, but not limited to, a bus, taxicab or limousine; or

(2) In the living quarters of a motorized or nonmotorized house coach, house trailer, motor home or self-contained camper.

(d) A person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) or (b) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $50 nor more than $100.

Collected 2026-09-06T00:24:22Z. Source file · JSON

Browse this collection