Section 21-903 - Consumption of alcoholic beverages while driving on highway.
§ 21-903. Consumption of alcoholic beverages while driving on highway.
(a) Definitions.-
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Alcoholic beverage" means a spirituous, vinous, malt, or fermented liquor, liquid, or compound that contains at least 0.5% alcohol by volume and is fit for beverage purposes.
(3) (i) "Passenger area" means an area that:
1. Is designed to seat the driver and any passenger of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is in operation; or
2. Is readily accessible to the driver or a passenger of a motor vehicle while in their seating positions.
(ii) "Passenger area" does not include:
1. A locked glove compartment;
2. The trunk of a motor vehicle; or
3. If a motor vehicle is not equipped with a trunk, the area behind the rearmost upright seat or an area that is not normally occupied by the driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle.
(b) Application of section.- This section applies to a motor vehicle that is driven, stopped, standing, or otherwise located on a highway.
(c) Consumption of alcohol prohibited.- A driver of a motor vehicle may not consume an alcoholic beverage in a passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway.
(d) Scope.- Notwithstanding Article 2B, Title 19 of the Code or any other provision of law, the prohibition contained in this section applies throughout the State.
[1985, ch. 504; 2002, chs. 108, 109; 2006, ch. 127.]