An Arkansas bill amending language in the state’s open container statute to comply with federal law has been passed by lawmakers and signed by the governor.
Just last year the state passed an open container law making it illegal for the first time for passengers in a vehicle to have an open container of alcohol. But, unlike federal law, Arkansas’ 2017 law still allowed open containers in unlocked areas, such as a glove compartment or center console.
The recently passed bill, HB 1001, corrects that open containers may be stored in such areas only if they are locked. The law also adds a definition of an alcoholic beverage and specifies it applies vehicles on a highway or public right of way. The state was at risk for losing the ability to control millions in federal highway funding without the changes.
The Property Casualty Association of America (PCI) applauded the changes to the state’s open container law and commended Gov. Asa Hutchinson for signing the bill.
“As the number of crashes continue to rise in Arkansas, it is important to keep a focus on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol. There is no reason for someone to have an open container of alcohol in the car,” Joe Woods, vice president, state government relations for PCI, said in an announcement released by the trade association. “We commend the legislature and Governor Asa Hutchinson for enacting the law on open containers and ensuring that it complied with the federal law.”
Topics Arkansas
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