Weddings. Prom nights. Red-carpet events. What do they all have in common? You’re almost certain to see private buses, town cars, posh SUVs, and, of course, a limousine or two. Further, despite the safety concerns, passengers are often allowed to drink on party-oriented vehicles like limos and party buses. So, how is it legal for limo riders to enjoy a drink or two with open-container laws? 

Even with open-container laws, limousine passengers are allowed to drink and party on the road

In short, a limousine is typically considered a for-hire commercial vehicle, not unlike a party bus. As a result, many states allow passengers in limos and party buses to drink on board and underway without the act constituting a crime. 

For instance, in California, private buses and limos can host passengers with open containers. According to the Los Angeles DUI Attorney, California Vehicle Code (VC) 23221 states that drivers and passengers in cars, trucks, SUVs, and other personal vehicles can’t drink or possess an open container. However, one of the exceptions to VC 23221 includes limousine passengers.

Still, the availability of alcoholic beverages in a limousine doesn’t give passengers a license to do whatever they please. Limo companies often caution passengers against overindulging in a moving vehicle. 

That said, while a taxi cab sounds like it fits the same for-hire vehicle bill, drinking can be a pretty substantial no-no for passengers in a taxi cab. In some states, like Kentucky, it’s illegal to have an open container anywhere a driver could access it. Consequently, a police officer may give you (and your taxi driver) a hard time if you’re sitting in the backseat with an open alcoholic beverage. 

However, a limousine’s size and length typically separate passengers from the immediate reach of the driver. As such, popping bottles and hanging out in the back of a limo won’t interfere with some open container law specifics.