AR SR5

Authorizes Senator B. Sample to introduce a bill regulating open container possession of alcoholic beverages in motor vehicles and making technical corrections to avoid federal highway spending penalties.

Adds definitions for "alcoholic beverage" (beer, wine, or distilled spirits containing at least 0.5% alcohol by volume), "motor vehicle" (vehicle driven by mechanical power and manufactured for public highway use), and "open alcoholic beverage container" (bottle or receptacle that is open, has a broken seal, or has partially removed contents).

Makes it unlawful to possess an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle's driver or passenger seating area when the vehicle is in operation, or in an area readily accessible to the driver or passenger while the vehicle is on a public highway or its right-of-way.

Exempts open containers stored in the vehicle's trunk, cargo area, locked compartments (glove compartment or center console), or behind the last upright seat in vehicles without trunks.

Permits passengers (but not drivers) to possess open containers in recreational vehicles, motor homes, or house trailers when the container is in the living quarters and not readily accessible to the driver; violators face Class C misdemeanor charges.