When is it legal to drive with an open alcoholic beverage container?

Driving with an open alcoholic beverage container in the trunk of the vehicle is legal in many states, including Montana. The trunk is considered a secure storage area that is not accessible to the driver or passengers while the vehicle is in motion. This regulation is designed to reduce the likelihood of drinking and driving by keeping alcoholic beverages out of reach during vehicle operation.

The other options relate to scenarios that do not comply with regulations regarding open containers. For example, having an open container accessible in the vehicle could lead to distractions or temptations to consume alcohol while driving. Similarly, being parked in a rest area does not necessarily exempt you from laws regarding open containers in a moving vehicle, as the primary consideration is whether the driver is operating the vehicle at the time. Additionally, driving below the speed limit does not create an exemption; the legality of an open container is not determined by speed but by the physical location of the container within the vehicle.