6/6/05-Gov. Bill Owens signed a bill into law June 3 banning consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling Colorado’s public roadways.
The new law, previously HB1122, also frees up millions in federal dollars for improving Colorado roads.
State law had prohibited drivers from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in a moving vehicle.
The new ban eliminates the open container provision. It takes effect July 1.
Violators could be fined $57.80.
Exceptions are made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Until now, Colorado has been forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety because it didn’t have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass such provisions or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on traffic safety projects.
Since then, $29 million in transportation money has been diverted from Colorado roads for such uses as installing cables to prevent crossover accidents and drunken driving checkpoints.

6/2/05-The General Assembly has approved legislation that would ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways in the state.
The bill – HB1122 – would also free up millions in federal dollars for improving Colorado roads.
Current state law prohibits drivers from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in a moving vehicle.
House and Senate lawmakers have sent a bill to Gov. Bill Owens that would eliminate the open container provision.
Violators could be fined $57.80.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Colorado is one of about a dozen states being forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety because it doesn’t have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass such provisions or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on traffic safety projects.
Since then, $29 million in transportation money has been diverted from Colorado roads for such uses as installing cables to prevent crossover accidents and drunken driving checkpoints.

2/9/05-The House Transportation and Energy Committee voted 8-3 on Feb. 2 to ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways in the state. The bill would also free up millions in federal dollars for improving Colorado roads.
Current state law prohibits drivers from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in a moving vehicle.
HB1122, sponsored by Rep. Fran Coleman, D-Denver, would eliminate the open container provision.
Violators could be fined at least $50 and three points added to the driver’s license.
Exceptions would be made for passengers in limousines and recreational vehicles.
Colorado is one of 14 states being forced to spend a portion of its federal highway money on traffic safety because the state doesn’t have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
The federal government mandated in 2001 that states pass the provision or spend a percentage of federal highway dollars on public safety projects.
Since fiscal year 2001, $29 million in transportation money has been diverted from roads.
The bill now moves to the House Appropriations Committee.
For bill status, call (303) 866-3055. In Colorado, call 1-800-811-7647.