Open containers

[LittleDog]

There was an article in the Daily Sun today about having open alcoholic containers in a vehicle or a golf cart and this could result in a ticket. How about if you have, as an example, had half a bottle of wine as an example and then capped it. Granted this is not an open container but I'm wondering if you are stopped whether you could get a ticket for something like this? If so it would seem to me that you can't have anything like that in a vehicle. I seem to recall that if it were in a locked trunk of a car that would be ok as it's not readily accessible.

John

[Harry Gilbert]

By law if the beverage was in an accessible location to the driver it would be considered an open container.
If it was in say a shopping bag with a restaurant doggy bag it could be argued that it was just in transport.

With a GC its harder to place the bottle out of the drivers reach but it could be out of sight and not readily available. As long as your not sampling while driving most LEO's that I know would not make a issue of it, providing that wasn't the second or third bottle of the night

In a car put it in the trunk.

[skyguy79]

You can email Chief Nathanson and pose your question directly to him. I do so with a question in the past and he did an excellent job in addressing my concerns when he had the time to do so. His email address is enathanson@ladylakepd.org.

Having said that my opinion is that if the seal of the cap is broken or the cork is popped, it's an open container. On the other hand if you have it put away in the back of the cart and inside a bag or cooler, it's unlikely that you would get into trouble under normal circumstances since you can't accesses it (unless you're a contortionist) and an officer would have no probably cause to look for it unless you're driving erradically or were involved in an accident.

Again I'll state that this is only my opinion. Probably best to avoid carrying any alcohol beverage that's already been opened and avoid ever having to find out!

[paulandjean]

Seems to me,if opened and you had a few drinks,you are in big trouble. Open bottle of wine from last night and you are sober, no problem. Give me one of those breath tests.

[buggyone]

My question to you would be simply, Why would you be stopped by the police in your golf cart if you were not driving in an erratic manner, speeding, or otherwise breaking the law?

[Bill-n-Brillo]

My question to you would be simply, Why would you be stopped by the police in your golf cart if you were not driving in an erratic manner, speeding, or otherwise breaking the law?

"Profiling", perhaps? :shocked:

:icon_wink:

Bill :)

[jblum315]

"Profiling", perhaps? :shocked:

:icon_wink:

Bill :)

What would be profiling in TV? Someone who looked too young?

[CarGuys]

"Profiling", perhaps? :shocked:

:icon_wink:

Bill :)

:beer3::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[ilovetv]

What would be profiling in TV? Someone who looked too young?

Yep.

[ilovetv]

The POA Bulletin for January 2012 has a good Q & A on open containers at the squares etc. Here is the link, and in the Jan. bulletin, it's Question #7 in the top right column, starting above the IRS question article.

http://www.poa4us.org/bulletins_files/bulletin_page.html

[paulandjean]

Maybe the police stopped because he had car-cart trouble. Flat tire many possible reasons.Remember the police can stop you for many reasons.

[jerseyvillager]

Really! How many times have you had an open bottle of wine in your cart? How many times have you seen anyone in a golf cart stopped by police? I'm not a stat person but the odds have to be very small. Quit worrying and enjoy life.

[nitehawk]

Maybe the change in the happy hour (palmer) from 4-6 to 3-5 is so you could finish you second drink, and then drive home to have dinner. When it was 4-6 you may stay longer and would have a to-go cup, so you could still make dinner leading to open containers.

[paulandjean]

pretty good chance lots of people watching sunsets from the bridge have opened wine bottles in their carts.Have I seen police pull over golf carts. Yes, Who is worried not me,Wife drives if I have a few beers. Lighten Up.ps Seen many carts leaving LSL pulled over by cops.

[graciegirl]

Really! How many times have you had an open bottle of wine in your cart? How many times have you seen anyone in a golf cart stopped by police? I'm not a stat person but the odds have to be very small. Quit worrying and enjoy life.

I think I love you. Will you be my new best friend?

You said it in a very direct way, but it does have such a ring of truth to it.

I bet your kids turned out great.