Open Container Laws in Connecticut

Connecticut allows open containers of alcohol in vehicles, so long as the driver is not drinking while operating the car.
Written by Olivia Rose
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Connecticut is one of the few states that does not have an open container law. In general, open containers of alcohol are permitted in Connecticut, as long as drivers are not drinking and driving. Additionally, any passenger drinking in the car must be 21 or older. 
Jerry
is breaking down the open container laws in every state—and today, we’re looking at Connecticut! Since open container laws vary widely state to state, it’s important to know what the rules and penalties look like in your state so that you can keep your
driving record clean
(and your
Connecticut car insurance
rates low). 
We’ll look at what open containers are permitted in Connecticut, penalties for drinking and driving in Connecticut, and how to find a good deal on car insurance if you have a drinking violation on your driving record.
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What is the open container law in Connecticut?

Connecticut has no open container law, meaning it’s legal to have an open container of alcohol in your car in Connecticut. That means you won’t get in trouble for having a half-drunk bottle of Tito’s in the glove compartment or a passenger with a can of hard cider in hand!
But be warned—drinking and driving is a serious offense in Connecticut. Even though open containers of alcohol are permitted, drivers are never permitted to drink while driving
Also, anyone under the age of 21 is not legally permitted to drink in Connecticut. So if you decide to DD for the night, be sure you’re not making yourself liable by chauffeuring underage drinkers. 

What counts as an open container?

An open container is any bottle, can, or other receptacle with alcohol that has a broken seal or has any of its contents partially removed. In Connecticut, you won’t need to get too hung up on the logistics of what counts as an open container, since they are generally allowed in your car. 
Key Takeaway Open containers of alcohol are generally permitted in Connecticut, and passengers are allowed to actively drink in the car, as long as they are 21 or older. Drivers are never permitted to drink while driving. 

Penalties for violating Connecticut’s open container law

While Connecticut doesn’t have an open container law, you have to watch out for drunk driving or
operating under the influence
(OUI). Connecticut takes drunk driving seriously and holds a series of penalties for drivers found to be driving intoxicated.
An OUI charge in Connecticut (or a refusal to submit a chemical alcohol test) will result in a
license suspension
—and that’s on top of an arrest and any other separate penalties. 
If you receive any license suspension related to alcohol, you will also be required to have an ignition interlock device (IID)—a device that requires you to submit a breath sample before your engine will ignite—in your car for a set period of time. 
On top of these various penalties, an OUI in Connecticut will almost certainly raise your insurance rates. An OUI is a serious charge, and it will put you in the “
high-risk driver
” category—which means car insurance providers will charge you a higher premium. 

How to save money on car insurance in Connecticut

If you’re worried about your car insurance rates going up—or if you just want a tip on finding cheaper car insurance—look to
Jerry
.
Jerry is a
trustworthy insurance comparison app
that uses your basic information to locate competitive
car insurance quotes
personalized to you and your coverage needs
With quotes from our pool of 50+ providers, you’ll be able to effectively locate your cheapest options for car insurance. Even better, you can assess the various levels of coverage so that you never have to sacrifice the protection you need. 
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is awesome. I saved over $100 a month—and they did all the work from canceling my old policy to starting my new one!” —Shantisha A. 
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While there is no open container law in Connecticut, drivers will face arrest and license suspension if they are found driving under the influence of alcohol.
Denying a breathalyzer in Connecticut is illegal and will result in a license suspension.
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