In Lithuania, fines will be imposed for consuming and storing alcohol in vehicles

From June 1st, penalties for consuming, storing, and transporting alcoholic beverages in open containers in the car cabin will come into force in Lithuania. This was announced by the spokesperson of the Police Department, Ramunas Matonis, in an interview with the radio station LRT.

In 2009, amendments to the alcohol control law were introduced in Lithuania, prohibiting individuals from consuming, storing, and transporting alcoholic products in open car cabins, except for vehicles with a stationary partition separating the passenger and driver spaces.

Previously, drivers were typically penalized for consuming alcoholic beverages in the car cabin based on general traffic violation provisions in the Administrative Offenses Code (AOC). However, as stated by Matonis, the Parliament has now specified the fines for alcohol consumption, storage, and transportation in the AOC. These penalties can also be imposed on passengers who violate the prohibition.

"If there were misunderstandings in the application of that law, they are now clarified in the legislation. The law has been amended in such a way that the fine has increased," explained Matonis.

According to the adopted amendments, starting from June 1st, drinking, storing, and transporting alcohol (in open containers) in the car cabin (when there is no stationary partition between the driver and passengers) can result in a fine of 40-100 euros. For repeat offenses, the fine can range from 100-140 euros.

It is worth noting that in Ukraine, consuming alcohol in the car cabin is not prohibited (unless the act of consuming alcoholic beverages violates other legislation on administrative offenses).

In the majority of U.S. states, there are laws prohibiting the possession of open bottles, cans, or other unsealed containers of alcoholic beverages (even if they are empty) on sidewalks, streets, and in vehicles. Understandably, any passenger consuming an alcoholic beverage would also have an open container. The laws of some states allow for the storage of unsealed containers of alcohol only in secure areas, such as a closed glove compartment or trunk.

Drivers can be penalized for violating open container laws if they have the container on their person or within reach. However, even if the open container is only in possession of a passenger, both the driver and passenger can usually be accused of the violation.