Can passengers drink in West Virginia?
John Kim
Updated on April 30, 2026
Also know, can you drink in passenger seat WV?
(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.
Likewise, are passengers allowed to drink Virginia? In Virginia, you cannot carry open containers of alcohol in "the passenger area." The passenger area in a vehicle is the area where the driver sits, as well as any area within reach of the driver. This includes an unlocked glove compartment and the areas where other passengers can sit.
Beside this, can a passenger have an open container in West Virginia?
West Virginia law defines an open container as any object that contains alcohol and either has a broken seal or is partially empty. Open container applies to both the driver and passengers. If your passenger is drinking while inside the car, you're at risk of being pulled over, even if you didn't know they had a drink.
Can you be a passenger and drink?
NSW legislation only refers to drivers, so there is currently no restriction on passengers drinking alcohol while in a car. However, passengers are not allowed to consume alcohol on public transport such as a bus, train, taxi or ferry. This includes being in possession of an open container of alcohol.
Related Question Answers
What states can passengers drink alcohol in a car?
Most states, including California, ban drivers and passengers from carrying open containers of alcohol in their cars.In the following states, you can have open alcohol in the car while it's operating:
- Alaska.
- Arkansas.
- Connecticut.
- Delaware.
- Mississippi.
- Rhode Island.
- Tennessee.
- Virginia.