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Is it illegal to eat or drink while driving?
I’m going on a solo road trip soon, and I want to be as efficient as possible. Can I eat and drink while driving?
Olivia Rose · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Have fun on your road trip! Let’s see if I can ease some of the stress of planning for you.
Driving laws are determined by states, so the laws for eating and drinking while driving will vary by location. For the most part, it is not illegal to eat or drink while driving—as long as you aren’t
effectively distracted
.However, you might drive past an officer who is a real stickler for the law, so always research the state(s) in which you will be driving, and eat and drink at your own risk.
That said, you should never eat or drink while driving if you cannot do so safely. That means you’re probably best off eating messy meals at restaurants before getting back behind the wheel.
Here are a few more safety tips for eating and drinking while driving:
- Always have one hand on the wheel. This means you shouldn’t eat anything while driving that necessitates the use of both your hands—like a bowl of cereal.
- Get a straw for drinks. Straws allow you to drink while still keeping your eyes totally on the road, which means you will be less distracted.
- Avoid messy food or drinks. Anything that could cause a spill could create a serious distraction, which could lead to a driving infraction or an accident.
While safety is top of mind, make sure you’re protected by great car insurance before you hit the road.
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