Transport of Open Container Law in NC?

Question

I've done multiple searches online and can't find a clear answer to my situation regarding what's legal/illegal when transporting liquor. I'm going to a cabin this weekend in Tennessee. I know it's legal for me to take new sealed liquor (vodka, whiskey) in my car to my weekend getaway. My question is this... For example, we don't drink all of our bottled hard liquor. Can I legally transport it back home in my trunk with my luggage? Since we drank this weekend, the bottle is now considered an open container so I wasn't sure? I live in North Carolina, so I'm asking for both NC & TN state law on this. I've also wondered the same thing if you go to a party and don't drink all of a certain liquor and want to take the rest home. And just to be clear this is obviously not while anyone is under the influence while driving or being transported. I'd assume anyone associated with lawyers/police would have a clear answer to this. Thank you in advance and I'll pick the best answer.

AceSeptre · Accepted Answer

The way that the law is written in most states is that open liquor can be kept in the trunk, or in lieu of a trunk it can be placed somewhere that is not normally occupied by passengers such as a truck bed, roof storage etc etc. It basically just has to be completely out of reach from anyone in the vehicle and then it is fine to transport open liquor. As far as luggage goes it really depends on the specifics of the laws in your state. If the luggage is in the trunk then no problem. If the luggage is in the vehicle within reach of passengers then it might be an issue.

David S · Answer

Place the bottles securely in your trunk, where it won't make a difference that they've been opened previously. What you don't want is to have them in the passenger cabin.

Trending News

Transport of Open Container Law in NC?

2 Answers