3/30/07-The Joint Committee on Transportation voted 32-2 to forward a bill that would prohibit open containers of alcohol in vehicles to the judiciary committee.
Under Connecticut law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in the vehicle. SB273 would eliminate the open container provision. Violators would face up to $500 fines.
It includes exceptions for passengers in RVs, buses and limousines.
The bill also would allow the state more freedom for how to use federal highway dollars. The state is being forced to spend a portion of its federal funding on traffic safety because the state doesn't have a ban on open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
For bill status, call (860) 240-0555.

3/8/07-A bill in the Joint Committee on Transportation would prohibit open containers of alcohol in vehicles.
Under Connecticut law, drivers are prohibited from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in the vehicle.
SB273 would eliminate the open container provision. Violators would face up to $500 fines. The bill includes exceptions for passengers in RVs, buses and limousines.
For bill status, call (860) 240-0555.
A nearly identical bill - SB1132 - also is in the Joint Committee on Transportation.