2/10/09-A bill has died that sought to ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways.
Sponsored by Delegate Harry Purkey, R-Virginia Beach, HB1614 remained in committee past the deadline to advance, effectively killing it for the year.
Virginia law now prohibits drivers from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in the vehicle.
The bill would have eliminated the open container provision. Violators would have faced $25 fines.
Exceptions would have been made for passengers in RVs, buses and limousines.
The bill also would have allowed 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.

1/27/09-A bill in the House Militia, Police and Public Safety Committee would ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways.
Virginia law now prohibits drivers from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in the vehicle.
Sponsored by Delegate Harry Purkey, R-Virginia Beach, HB1614 would eliminate the open container provision. Violators would face $25 fines.
Exceptions would be made 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 House bill status, call 804-698-1500. In Virginia, call 877-391-3228.

11/25/08-Delegate Harry Purkey, R-Virginia Beach, has filed the measure that is awaiting referral to committee for the session that begins Jan. 14 that would ban consumption and possession of open containers of alcohol in vehicles traveling public roadways.
Virginia law now prohibits drivers from having an open alcoholic beverage, but passengers 21 years of age or older are free to drink while in the vehicle. The bill would eliminate the open container provision. Violators would face $25 fines.
HB1614 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 House bill status, call 804-698-1500. In Virginia, call 877-391-3228.