SB 833 Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Open containers; prohibition on consumption and possession in the passenger area of motor vehicles.

This bill prohibits consuming or possessing open containers of alcohol in the passenger area of any motor vehicle. It directly affects drivers and passengers who might have open alcohol containers in the car's passenger space. The law would require such containers to be stored outside the passenger area (e.g., in the trunk) to prevent in-vehicle alcohol use.

Issues: ✓ Transportation

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 23, 2026 Last action Feb 11, 2026

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What changed between versions

Introduced → Courts of Justice Substitute · 3 edits

MINOR

The bill was amended from its original introduction to a substitute version prepared by the Courts of Justice Committee. The most significant substantive change is the addition of § 4.1-1107 to the list of sections being amended, expanding the bill's scope to include regulations regarding distillers and tasting events. Additionally, a technical correction was made to the definition of 'passenger area' in the open container law, updating the regulatory citation from 20 C.F.R. 1270(g) to 23 C.F.R. § 1270.3(g). The original text regarding funding for the Highway Safety Improvement Program was removed.

Scope change

The bill's scope was expanded to include amendments to § 4.1-1107, which relates to distillers and organized tasting events, in addition to the original sections covering wine, beer, and mixed beverage delivery.

SCOPE

The amendment now includes § 4.1-1107 in the list of sections to be amended, extending the bill's reach to distiller regulations.

DEFINITION

The citation for the definition of 'passenger area' was updated from 20 C.F.R. 1270(g) to 23 C.F.R. § 1270.3(g) to align with current federal regulations.

FISCAL

The provision reserving 2.5 percent of Federal-aid funds for the Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program was deleted from the substitute version.

Floor votes

How they voted

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (6-Y 5-N 4-A)

upper

Feb 9, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate committee offered

upper

Feb 6, 2026

Committee

Rereferred from Rehabilitation and Social Services to Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)

upper

Jan 23, 2026

Committee

Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services

upper

Jan 23, 2026

Introduced

Presented and ordered printed 26106174D

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors