Do you know what an "Open Container Law" is?

I just found out about it recently. Fortunately not the hard way. Since consumption of alcoholic beverages is a time honored post-flying tradition often engaged in in the LZ and considering that we as responsible pilots take our trash with us, I thought I'd share the answer:

It means that it is prohibited to have an open alcoholic container (yes, even empty!) in the car. This applies to driver AND passenger area, but usually excludes the trunk.

Maryland and DC have open container laws, but Pennsylvania and Virginia do not. Virginia is debating introducing it. The FHA is threatening to deny highway funds to states who do not pass it. So it might be pretty much universal soon (except for Montana?)

I am not sure, what the penalties are if you're caught with an empty beer can floating around in your vehicle. Considering that I have in the past been pulled over for other infractions and do not need anything else piled onto a ticket, I am going to toss those cans in the trunk as soon as I cross into MD or DC.

— ellis
P.S. Remember to feed your observer! I hear they like beer...