Indiana § 9-30-15-3 - Open alcoholic beverage container during operation of motor vehicle; Class C infraction

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 9-30-15-3 — Open alcoholic beverage container during operation of motor vehicle; Class C infraction, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 9-30-15-3. Open alcoholic beverage container during operation of motor vehicle; Class C infraction

Sec. 3. (a) This section does not apply to the following:

(1) A container possessed by a person, other than the operator of the motor vehicle, who is in the:

(A) passenger compartment of a motor vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation; or

(B) living quarters of a house coach or house trailer.

(2) A container located in a fixed center console or other similar fixed compartment that is locked.

(3) A container located:

(A) behind the last upright seat; or

(B) in an area not normally occupied by a person;

in a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a trunk.

(b) A person in a motor vehicle who, while the motor vehicle is in operation or while the motor vehicle is located on the right-of-way of a public highway, possesses a container:

(1) that has been opened;

(2) that has a broken seal; or

(3) from which some of the contents have been removed;

in the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle commits a Class C infraction.

(c) A violation of this section is not considered a moving traffic violation:

(1) for purposes of IC 9-14-12-3; and

(2) for which points are assessed by the bureau under the point system.

As added by P.L.53-1994, SEC.11. Amended by P.L.33-1997, SEC.15; P.L.1-2000, SEC.14; P.L.209-2005, SEC.1; P.L.290-2013, SEC.1; P.L.198-2016, SEC.605.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 9-30-15-3

What does Indiana Code § 9-30-15-3 cover?

Section 9-30-15-3 ("Open alcoholic beverage container during operation of motor vehicle; Class C infraction") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 9-30-15-3?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 9-30-15-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 9-30-15-3 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.