# NA Beer in the car? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [March 9, 2005, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686 "2005-03-09T17:11:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![susie426](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@susie426](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susie426)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686/1 "2005-03-09T17:11:05Z")
While cutting out alcohol from my diet, I’ve found a strange affection for NA beer… and lately I’ve begun to wonder…If I drove while enjoying one of these NA Beers, is that an open bottle violation? Is it illegal to drive with an open bottle of NA beer, like one would a bottle of soda?? If so, does it vary state to state (USA)?? Does anyone know of specific statues or law enforcement guidelines related to drinking NA beer while operating a moving vehicle (even including boats!)? Hmmmmmmmm… :dubious: (that’s me me wondering) ---
**Author:** ![brianjedi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@brianjedi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brianjedi)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686/2 "2005-03-09T17:47:00Z")
It’s going to vary from state to state, definitely. While it might be legal, it’s going to get you pulled over if you try it, and depending on the officer you might get off, but even if you can prove it’s legal you might still get cited. I wouldn’t try it. ---
**Author:** ![susie426](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/41988e/32.png) [@susie426](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susie426)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686/3 "2005-03-09T18:13:26Z")
Thanks…I don’t think I would actually TRY it (because it seems to me it would be enough to get a citation for), but I couldn’t find a definate answer and haven’t had the opportunity to ask anyone in law enforcement. I’ve just never heard of any situation with non-alcoholic beer & driving. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Punoqllads](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/d2c977/32.png) [@Punoqllads](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punoqllads)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686/4 "2005-03-09T21:11:22Z")
If you look at the label closely, you’ll see that “non-alcoholic” beer still has some alcohol in it. Looking at [http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc23222.htm](http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/vctop/d11/vc23222.htm) it appears that the relevant California open-container law does not specify the minimum alcohol content in a beverage to be considered illegal to have open in a vehicle. I’m guessing that any beverage that has a reasonably measurable alcoholic content would fall under that legislation. So, don’t try it here unless you’d like to be charged with a misdemeanor. ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686/5 "2005-03-09T22:25:56Z")
Mouthwash? Would it be illegal to have an open bottle of Listerine? ---
**Author:** ![danceswithcats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9e8a1a/32.png) [@danceswithcats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danceswithcats)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 10:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686/6 "2005-03-09T22:40:38Z")
IANAL, but would have to answer yes, if the operator was intox. [Recent story here](http://www.abcnews.go.com/US/LegalCenter/story?id=531243&page=2). ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/na-beer-in-the-car/293686/7 "2005-03-10T18:41:26Z")
Hey, **danceswithcats**. I was aware of the story you linked to. What I’m wondering about is being stone-cold sober, but having an open bottle of Listerine in the car. If the bottle in question is a bottle of beer, in Pennsylvania you are in violation having an open container even if you are not DUI. What about Listerine???