Vermont § 1134a - Motor vehicle passenger; consumption or possession of alcohol or cannabis
Full text of Vermont Vermont Statutes Online § 1134a — Motor vehicle passenger; consumption or possession of alcohol or cannabis, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 1134a. Motor vehicle passenger; consumption or possession of alcohol or cannabis
- (a) Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, a passenger in a motor vehicle
shall not consume an alcoholic beverage or cannabis in the passenger area of any motor
vehicle on a public highway. (b) A passenger in a motor vehicle shall not possess any open container that contains
an alcoholic beverage or cannabis in the passenger area of the motor vehicle. (c) As used in this section: (1) “Alcoholic beverage” shall have the same meaning as “alcohol” as defined in section 1200 of this title. (2) “Passenger area” shall mean the area designed to seat the operator and passengers
while the motor vehicle is in operation and any area that is readily accessible to
the operator or passengers while in their seating positions, including the glove compartment,
unless the glove compartment is locked. In a motor vehicle that is not equipped with
a trunk, the term shall exclude the area behind the last upright seat or any area
not normally occupied by the operator or passengers. (d) A person, other than the operator, may possess an open container that contains an
alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle designed, maintained,
or used primarily for the transportation of persons for compensation or in the living
quarters of a motor home or trailer coach. (e) A person who consumes an alcoholic beverage or possesses an open container that contains
an alcoholic beverage in violation of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty
of not more than $25.00. A person who consumes cannabis or possesses an open container
that contains cannabis in violation of this section shall be assessed a civil penalty
of not more than $200.00. (Added 2001, No. 141 (Adj. Sess.), § 24, eff. June 21, 2002; amended 2017, No. 83, § 152; 2017, No. 86 (Adj. Sess.), § 14.)
Source: official Vermont text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont § 1134a
What does Vermont Statutes Online § 1134a cover?
Section 1134a ("Motor vehicle passenger; consumption or possession of alcohol or cannabis") is part of the Vermont Statutes Online, the codified statutory law of Vermont. 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 Vermont § 1134a?
A common citation format is "Vermont Statutes Online § 1134a" (Vermont). 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 Vermont law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Vermont official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Vermont attorney.
How does Vermont § 1134a apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Vermont 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 Vermont.