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In most states it is illegal to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public roadway or on the shoulder of a public roadway. These open container laws vary from state to state and a few states allow a passenger to possess and consume an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

Open container offenses are usually charged as a misdemeanor or as an infraction, and penalties may include a fine, driver’s license suspension, and jail time.

Open container laws are located in a state’s statutes—often in the penal or criminal code, the transportation code, or the motor vehicle code.

In Maine, it is illegal under state law to possess an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area of a motor vehicle on a public roadway or on the shoulder of a public roadway. This prohibition is outlined in Maine's transportation code. Violating Maine's open container laws typically results in a traffic infraction, which can lead to fines and potentially other penalties. While the offense is generally not a misdemeanor, repeated violations or violations in conjunction with other offenses (such as operating under the influence) could result in more severe consequences, including driver’s license suspension or jail time. It's important to note that Maine does not allow passengers to possess or consume alcoholic beverages in a motor vehicle, unlike some states that have exceptions for passengers.

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Criminal charges

open container

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Criminal charges

open container

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