Open container laws in Greenville South Carolina are quite clear and straightforward. Section 61-4-110 of South Carolina state law prohibits a person operating a motor vehicle from having an open container in their motor vehicle. Violation of this statute is considered a misdemeanor which carries penalties of up to 30 days in jail and fines exceeding no more than $100 dollars. A small exception to this law states that it is considered legal for someone to possess a bottle of alcohol with a broken seal if the container is located in the trunk of the motor vehicle.
Pay attention to open container laws in Greenville SC
Specific city ordinances also heavily restrict the transport or consumption of open container alcoholic beverages including: wine, beer or any other form of alcohol in public places. It is illegal to consume alcoholic beverages on streets, alleys, sidewalks or public ways of the city of Greenville. The only time where open containers are allowed to be consumed or carried in public ways of the city of Greenville, SC are when special event permits are issued.
These areas may include public parks, recreational facilities, playgrounds or park facilities. Open container violations carry varying consequences dependent upon circumstances. If you are caught with an open container as a passenger in a taxi or any transportation for hire vehicle you may be fined a maximum of $600 or face up to 6 months of imprisonment for first time offenders.
Open container violations in the city of Greenville, SC are eligible for permanent placement on your criminal record. Open container violations may also go on your permanent driving record and carry the potential to interfere with potential job opportunities and can potentially disrupt college or professional school admissions. South Carolina open container laws as defined by the state apply to any alcoholic beverage regardless of the volume or percentage contained within.
All of the above listed open container statutes apply to beer, low-alcohol content coolers, wine and liquor. South Carolina code Sec. 61-6-4030 makes it clear that the regulations stated previously also apply for passengers in vehicles.
These statutes are enforced throughout the entire state and local city ordinances contained within South Carolina.
Chase Harbin is a Criminal Defense Lawyer who practices in Pickens and Greenville, SC. He graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law, and has been practicing law for 17 years now. Chase Harbin believes in defending the accused. Learn more about his experience by clicking here.
