MS HB217

Prohibits possession of open alcoholic beverages, light wine, or beer containers and consumption of these beverages within the passenger area of motor vehicles on public roads and highways in Mississippi.

Defines "open container" as any beverage container that has been opened, punctured, cut, or constructed so contents can be consumed without opening, and "passenger area" includes the driver and passenger seating areas plus the glove compartment.

Exempts open containers located in locked glove compartments, behind the last upright seat in vehicles without trunks, in non-passenger areas of trunk-less vehicles, in parked house coaches or trailers, or possessed by passengers in hired commercial transport vehicles.

Creates a civil violation with fines of not less than $100 and not more than $200 for violations.

Takes effect July 1, 2020, and preempts any local ordinances with more stringent open container restrictions.