Wisconsin’s Alcohol Open Container Laws and Ticket Penalties

As in most other states, in Wisconsin, it's generally illegal to have open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle. This article explains Wisconsin's open container law and the penalties you'll face for an open container ticket.

Wisconsin's Alcohol Open Container Restrictions for Motor Vehicles

Wisconsin law prohibits any person from possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage in a privately owned vehicle if:

• the beverage is open or has a broken seal, or
• the contents of the beverage have been partially removed.

Wisconsin defines "alcoholic beverage" to include any fermented beverage, wine, or intoxicating liquor. Uniquely, in Wisconsin, the open container restriction also applies to containers of nitrous oxide.

Wisconsin's Open Container Law Applies to Drivers and Passengers in Vehicles

The prohibition is applicable to everyone inside the car—the driver and passengers—and to all vehicles located on public highways.

Wisconsin's Alcohol Possession Rules for Anyone Under the Age of 21

Persons under 21 years old aren't allowed to possess any alcoholic beverage in a vehicle, whether opened or sealed. The only exception to this rule is if the underage person is employed by a brewer or retailer and is transporting alcohol in the course of that employment.

Exceptions to Wisconsin's Alcohol Open Container Rules

Certain vehicles. Wisconsin's open container law isn't applicable to passengers riding in certain types of vehicles, including statutorily authorized limousines and buses operated by a licensed chauffeur. Passengers inside these chauffeured vehicles are permitted to possess and consume alcohol. Of course, this exception doesn't apply to persons who are under 21 years of age.

Areas of the vehicle. Wisconsin's open container laws are intended to apply to the passenger areas of the vehicle, including the glove and utility compartments. The open container restrictions aren't applicable to items in the trunk of the car or to areas inaccessible to the driver or passengers if the car doesn't have a trunk.

Penalties for Open Container Tickets in Wisconsin

The penalties you'll face for an open container violation in Wisconsin depend on your age and the type of driver's license you hold.

Fines for Standard Open Container Tickets in Wisconsin

An open container is a traffic violation in Wisconsin. A conviction will result in a fine of up to $100 but no jail time. A person may be arrested for an open container violation but generally must be released (as opposed to being taken to jail) unless other circumstances exist that justify further detention.

Penalties for Open Container Violations in Commercial Vehicles

Violation of the open container law by a person operating a commercial vehicle will also result in an out-of-service order. The order, issued by the arresting officer, prohibits the operation of a commercial vehicle for an immediate 24 hours.

Fines and License Suspensions for Violations by Underage Offenders

Offenders who are under 21 years old face a fine of $20 to $400. These underage offenders are also looking at a license suspension of up to one year for a first violation and up to two years for a second violation within 12 months.