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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 12Art. 2§ 23222 Open Alcohol Or Cannabis In Vehicle

§ 23222 Open Alcohol Or Cannabis In Vehicle

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 23222 Open Alcohol Or Cannabis In Vehicle

This law says you can't have open alcohol or cannabis in your car while driving. If you do, you can get fined.

Key Takeaways

  • •No open alcohol or cannabis in the car while driving.
  • •If you have open cannabis, it must be in the trunk or you'll get fined $100.
  • •Medical cannabis patients can carry it if it's sealed and they have their ID card.

Example

You're driving home from a party with an open beer bottle in the cup holder.

You can get in trouble because the law says no open alcohol in the car while driving.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 23222 Open Alcohol Or Cannabis In Vehicle

(a) A person shall not have in their possession on their person, while driving a motor vehicle upon a highway or on lands, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 23220, a bottle, can, or other receptacle, containing an alcoholic beverage which has been opened, or a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed. (b) (1) Except as authorized by law, a person who has in their possession on their person, while driving a motor vehicle upon a highway or on lands, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 23220, a receptacle containing cannabis or cannabis products, as defined by Section 11018.1 of the Health and Safety Code, which has been opened or has a seal broken, or loose cannabis flower not in a container, is guilty of an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than one hundred dollars ($100). (2) Paragraph (1) does not apply to a person who has a receptacle containing cannabis or cannabis products that has been opened, has a seal broken, or the contents of which have been partially removed, or to a person who has a loose cannabis flower not in a container, if the receptacle or loose cannabis flower not in a container is in the trunk of the vehicle. (c) Subdivision (b) does not apply to a qualified patient or person with an identification card, as defined in Section 11362.7 of the Health and Safety Code, if both of the following apply: (1) The person is carrying a current identification card or a physician’s recommendation. (2) The cannabis or cannabis product is contained in a container or receptacle that is either sealed, resealed, or closed. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 610, Sec. 2. (AB 397) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

infractionpossessionpatienthighwayhealthphysicianvehiclefine

Related Statutes

  • § 23224 Underage Alcohol Transport Rules
  • § 12804.9 Driver License Exam Requirements
  • § 23158 Blood Withdrawal For Alcohol Testing
  • § 23215 Dui Enforcement Off Highways
  • § 23216 Dui Offense Cross-Reference Rules

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 23222.
View Official Source