HARTFORD, Conn.—For the second year in a row, the state Senate has passed a bill that prohibits open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle.
The bill passed on a 36-0 vote. It is now up to the House of Representatives to decide whether the bill will be sent to the governor. Last year, the bill died in the House due to inaction.
Current law allows drivers and passengers to have an open container, but the driver cannot be observed drinking.
The legislation says neither a driver nor passenger can have an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle that's moving on a road or highway. Proponents say they think the ban would ultimately reduce alcohol-related car accidents.
The bill does allow someone to keep an open container inside a locked glove compartment or in a trunk or hatchback.
