Flasks are a popular way to bring around your favorite
alcohol wherever you go. It’s great to bring along when you go outdoors such as
fishing, hiking, camping, or trekking. Or to events where alcohol is permitted
such as parties or concerts. However, not all places welcome you and your hip
flask with open arms, such as in certain malls, shops, or movie theaters. That is why you should know where and when
you are not allowed to carry your hip flask to. Open container laws also
prohibit you to carry an open container inside a vehicle - moving or parked.
Let’s discuss more on the law and whether a hip flask is considered a
violation.
What is Considered An Open Container?
In open container laws, it is stated
that open containers refer to any bottle, cans, containers, container alcohol that
have had the seal broken or has been already opened. It does not matter whether
you are the driver or passenger - you are not allowed to drink inside a vehicle
while on a highway. You are also not allowed to place any open containers on the
seating of the vehicle including on the driver’s seat or passenger’s seat or
the back seats. Another thing to note is if you are under 21 years old, you are
absolutely not allowed to possess any alcohol.
Since a hip flask is a flask that is used to contain alcohol and can be
opened anytime, it is considered to be an open container. Therefore, the open container
laws apply to your hip flask and you should follow the rules and laws to
prevent you from getting charged. The charge is usually a fine or ticket but
can be investigated as a DUI if authorities have cause to think so.
Hence, flasks are considered as open
containers and you should always be careful when carrying them in your car,
parked or not. It is always safer to place your hip flask in the trunk of your
vehicle instead of on the seats.
The open container laws may differ
from state to state, hence you should research the law that applies to the
state you are in at the time.
Places Where You Should Not Bring Your Flask To
Besides cars and vehicles, there are
also other places that do not permit you to bring in any open containers. This
may differ by states but some states prohibit you from drinking in public
places. These public places mean places that are owned by a city or county and
may include places like:
Hence, you should leave the flask and alcohol at home if you plan on
going to these places. However, if you do need to carry around alcohol with
you, it is advisable to store them in the trunk of your car.
Open container laws prohibit open containers in
vehicles and public places. Therefore you should always know the regulations
before bringing out your hip flask filled with alcohol anywhere or drinking
from it. Always practice safe drinking and never drink while driving.
