Utah § 6a-526 - Drinking alcoholic beverage and open containers in motor vehicle prohibited -- Definitions -- Exceptions.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 6a-526 — Drinking alcoholic beverage and open containers in motor vehicle prohibited -- Definitions -- Exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 6a-526. Drinking alcoholic beverage and open containers in motor vehicle prohibited -- Definitions -- Exceptions.
Effective 5/6/2026 41-6a-526.
Drinking alcoholic beverage and open containers in motor vehicle prohibited -- Definitions -- Exceptions.
(1)
As used in this section:
(a)
"Alcoholic beverage" has the same meaning as defined in Section 32B-1-102.
(b)
"Chartered bus" has the same meaning as defined in Section 32B-1-102.
(c)
"Limousine" has the same meaning as defined in Section 32B-1-102.
(d)
(i)
"Passenger compartment" means the area of the vehicle normally occupied by the operator and passengers.
(ii)
"Passenger compartment" includes areas accessible to the operator and passengers while traveling, including a utility or glove compartment.
(iii)
"Passenger compartment" does not include a separate front or rear trunk compartment or other area of the vehicle not accessible to the operator or passengers while inside the vehicle.
(e)
"Waters of the state" has the same meaning as defined in Section 73-18-2.
(2)
A person may not drink an alcoholic beverage while operating a golf cart, a motor vehicle, a motor assisted scooter, or an electric assisted bicycle, or while a passenger in a motor vehicle, whether the vehicle is moving, stopped, or parked on any highway or waters of the state.
(3)
A person may not keep, carry, possess, transport, or allow another to keep, carry, possess, or transport in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, on a golf cart, on a motor assisted scooter, or on an electric assisted bicycle, when the vehicle is on any highway or waters of the state, any container that contains an alcoholic beverage if the container has been opened, the container's seal broken, or the contents of the container partially consumed.
(4)
Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to a passenger:
(a)
in the living quarters of a motor home or camper;
(b)
who has carried an alcoholic beverage onto a limousine or chartered bus that is in compliance with Subsections 32B-4-415(4)(b) and (c); or
(c)
in a motorboat on the waters of the state.
(5)
Subsection (3) does not apply to passengers traveling in any licensed taxicab or bus.
(6)
A violation of Subsection (2) or (3) is a class C misdemeanor.
Section 6a-526 ("Drinking alcoholic beverage and open containers in motor vehicle prohibited -- Definitions -- Exceptions.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 6a-526?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 6a-526" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 6a-526 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
