Kentucky’s open container law states that you will be fined between $35 and $100 for transporting unsealed alcohol in the passenger area of your vehicle.

Written by Kate Kirby

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear

Updated on Jan 31, 2024

Table of Contents

What is the open container law in Kentucky?
Penalties for violating Kentucky’s open container law
How to save money on car insurance in Kentucky

Traveling on a public highway while carrying unsealed alcohol in the passenger area of your vehicle violates Kentucky’s open container law. This offense could land you a fine of at least $35 but no more than $100.

There are many variations to the open container law across the United States, making it important to know your state’s specific rules.

Here with all the information about Kentucky’s open container law is

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What is the open container law in Kentucky?

Under

Section 189.530

of the Kentucky open container law, a person violates the law when there is an open alcoholic beverage present in the passenger area of the vehicle.

A beverage is considered alcoholic if it falls under any of the following:

Any fermented liquids that are one-half percent (0.5%) or more alcohol by volume (ABV), including malt beverages, beer, sake, ales, and more.

All wines above one-half percent alcohol by volume

Distilled spirits of any form

As long as you keep the alcohol sealed, in its original container, and stowed away in the backseat or trunk of the vehicle, you will not violate Kentucky’s open container law.

What counts as an open container?

You’d think that the meaning of an “open container” is as straightforward as the name suggests, but it’s a bit more complex. Kentucky defines an open container as any package that holds alcohol and has a broken seal or has had any of the contents partially removed.

If you’ve got plans to grab a nice bottle of wine at the supermarket and bring it home then you shouldn't have anything to worry about. Just don’t strap the bottle in the passenger seat or give it a taste test before heading home. Otherwise, you could be in trouble with the law.

Exceptions to Kentucky’s open container law

Kentucky has some exceptions when it comes to its open container law. The possession of an open alcoholic beverage is permitted to passengers in the following vehicles:

Buses

Taxis

Limos

Motor homes

Key Takeaway Transporting an open alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of your vehicle violates Kentucky’s open container law and could result in a fine between $35 and $100.

MORE:

What is a citation? (Citation vs. ticket)

Penalties for violating Kentucky’s open container law

A fine between $35 and $100 will be issued if you violate the open container law in Kentucky. If you are also under the influence of alcohol, refuse a breathalyzer test, or have violated this offense previously, the penalties get increasingly more serious.

License suspension and mandatory Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program or Treatment are common penalties given to people with multiple or more serious offenses. If you’re charged with a DUI while traveling with an open container, your license will be suspended for six months, and you’ll be required to enroll in a 90-day Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program.

Regardless of the charge, your insurance provider will likely raise your rates if you face any serious traffic violation. That being said, knowing the specifics of the laws in Kentucky is an important part of keeping your premium low.

MORE:

Kentucky DUI laws

How to save money on car insurance in Kentucky

One of the most common reasons that insurance providers raise your rates is because of traffic violations. That’s why understanding your state’s laws will help you avoid tickets and keep your insurance premium steady. On top of making sure your rates don’t rise, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re getting the best rate out there—and

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