Transporting liquor in a car?

[SonnyJ]

Someone told me that it is agaist the law to transport liquor/beer inside a car and that it has to be put in the trunk.

I say you can transport it inside the car eg: backseat provided that the container has never been opened.

Anyone here know for sure what the law is regarding this?

[cujo1969]

We wondering this to i thought if it still sealed that was ok anywhere in cab. Kinda hard put beer back of a pickup when it -20 out.

[MountainTi]

I do believe there is not supposed to be any alcohol in the cab, unopened or not.

[sirmike68]

Yes it can be in the cab but cannot be opened.

[wwbirds]

I thought during the reign of Sir Ralph legislation was passed allowing passengers in a vehicle to drink as long as driver didn't?
Open beer liquor in a vehicle was an offense when I lived in Ontario.

[jacob1202]

it can be in the cab... but the law states... it must be sealed and it cannot be within reach of the driver

[Albertadiver]

Two years ago, I was driving from my sister in laws to my father in laws in sherwood park. My wife and FIL was in the truck. There was a milk crate in the back of the extended cab truck next to my wife with some wine and a few other bottles.

Some of those bottles had been opened. I had 3 drinks over about 7 hours and was more than fine to drive. (I was really behaving because I was at the in-laws)

Long story short, a lady from MAD was freaking out on me with the police officer standing next to her in my window. My FIL is next to me and not thrilled about being pulled over. This was a checkstop and were stopping everyone.

They confiscated everything because it was in the cab of the truck and a few bottles had been opened. They said I had access to the booze, and that it should have been in the box of the truck. They let me keep a bottle of scotch that my sister in law brought back from a recent trip to England. The crate was out of my reach, but that wasn't enough for the cop.

I said I had no means of tying it down in the box but didn't want to argue because I had consumed a measure of alchohol and didn't want to cause myself further problems etc.

So... since then, I stil have a pickup, but I have a tupperware container in my box now with bungee cords tying it down with a few towels inside. Not worth arguing, because if you argue with a LEO, it usually doesn't result in a win for the guy pulled over.

I recieved a $250.00 ticket and lost about $300.00 worth of booze. If you have a car, put it in the trunk!!

[fatboyz]

Liquor can't be within easy reach of the driver. Needs to be in the trunk of the car, or box of the truck. In the case of a mini van in the back.

Consumption in vehicles
84 Except as otherwise provided for in this Act or in a liquor
licence, no person may consume liquor in a vehicle unless, when
the liquor is being consumed, the vehicle is a temporary residence.

[eastcoast]

it can be in the cab... but the law states... it must be sealed and it cannot be within reach of the driver

that's right,I had a buddy that got stopped a few years ago and ticketed for open liquor he went to court and beat it,it was in the back seat of his truck and wasn't opened,and he had a receipt for 5 minutes earlier.

[SonnyJ]

it can be in the cab... but the law states... it must be sealed and it cannot be within reach of the driver

That's what I was thinking.

Buddy told me that it has to be in the trunk or in the box of a pickup truck.

So I ask him about SUV drivers,they don't have a trunk or a box.lol

[Kanonfodder]

I thought during the reign of Sir Ralph legislation was passed allowing passengers in a vehicle to drink as long as driver didn't?
Open beer liquor in a vehicle was an offense when I lived in Ontario.

This is kind of a grey area...you can not have open liquor in a vehicle the exception being a re corked btl of wine from a restaurant... if you buy liquor from the vendors put it in the trunk or as far away from the driver as possible and keep the receipt in the bag or case...some restaurants allow you to bring in UNOPENED wine to have with your meal and charge you a corkage fee. Again keep it out of sight and away from the driver. No you cant drink as a passenger either..... this is off the top of my head

[CaberTosser]

Open liquor is obviously a no-no; but with the variety of vehicles out there it's hard to legislate a precise storage location when some vehicles don't have a trunk or cargo box in the first place. From my one experience when we were
young and the RCMP pulled us over nearing Sicamous for my buddies horrible driving; we were polite and showed the officer our booze that was in a cooler buried inaccessible under luggage in the hatchback. If you're sober and not pushing any other hot buttons for the officer, it should be all OK. In the noted incident we were radioed in by a bus driver for passing on the shoulder ( I noted he drove badly :snapoutofit:), so we could have expected a harsher treatment from that officer, but were were all in order otherwise, so it wss just a ticket for buddy's speeding and off we went.

[Albertadiver]

when talking to the officer, he said that if it had been opened, to put it in a container that would be difficult to open while driving, like a backpack or something like that.

I learned some lessons that night and paid the fine.

[jacob1202]

That's what I was thinking.

Buddy told me that it has to be in the trunk or in the box of a pickup truck.

So I ask him about SUV drivers,they don't have a trunk or a box.lol

yeah if u have an suv if its in the back or even sitting on the back seat im sure it would be fine... as long as the officer knows you arent drinking it im sure it would be fine

[FOTW]

Don't tell the cop you have it, And don't leave it in plain sight.

[camshaft]

I always chuckle at the armchair quarterbacks that seem to know the law and continue to post incorrect or misleading information.

Section 87.1(2)(b) Of the Gaming and Liquor Regulation:
"Transporting liquor in vehicle when liquor is w/i easy access of an occupant"
$115 fine.

Cant be w/i easy reach of an anyone. Period.

[GaryF]

So where would I put my booze in my imprezza wagon with 4 ppl in the car? The back passengers would still be able to reach the booze in the back area of the car.

[Albertadiver]

So where would I put my booze in my imprezza wagon with 4 ppl in the car? The back passengers would still be able to reach the booze in the back area of the car.

Put it as far away from the back passengers as you can, in the bag from the liquor store. If it's opened, well, put it in a backpack or something like that. Just do your best to follow the law and that's about all a person can do!

[Lone_Wolf]

Cant be w/i easy reach of an anyone. Period.

Yep. I have spent many hours sitting with the local Peace Officers watching the liquor store to make sure booze goes where it is supposed to. 99% of people know where to put it which is good.

[Arn?Narn.]

I was stopped in a suzuki samurai with 3 dozen beer on the lap of the passenger and 10 dozen on the back seat...

The cop said it doesn't look very good....

We said that we found a liquor store in Edmonton that sold Schooner so we stocked up.

He shook his head and said don't crack a single one and have a better plan for transporting alcohol in the future.

[Arn?Narn.]

Smart Car yuppies are in trouble...

[SonnyJ]

I was stopped in a suzuki samurai with 3 dozen beer on the lap of the passenger and 10 dozen on the back seat...



Must have been a good party...:sHa_shakeshout:

[Kanonfodder]

I always chuckle at the armchair quarterbacks that seem to know the law and continue to post incorrect or misleading information.

Section 87.1(2)(b) Of the Gaming and Liquor Regulation:
"Transporting liquor in vehicle when liquor is w/i easy access of an occupant"
$115 fine.

Cant be w/i easy reach of an anyone. Period.

Please point out the in accuracies in my post..I would like to know as I wouldn't want to be in error

[jacob1202]

So where would I put my booze in my imprezza wagon with 4 ppl in the car? The back passengers would still be able to reach the booze in the back area of the car.

hmm

[Donkey Oatey]

I always chuckle at the armchair quarterbacks that seem to know the law and continue to post incorrect or misleading information.

Section 87.1(2)(b) Of the Gaming and Liquor Regulation:
"Transporting liquor in vehicle when liquor is w/i easy access of an occupant"
$115 fine.

Cant be w/i easy reach of an anyone. Period.

Maybe post the whole section as there has been people asking about open wine etc....

87.1(1) Liquor may be transported under section 83 of the Act only in accordance with this section.

(2) Except as otherwise provided for in the Act or in a liquor licence, no person may

(a) transport liquor unless the liquor is in a container that is capped, corked or otherwise closed, whether or not the container has been previously opened;

(b) transport liquor in a vehicle if the liquor is within easy access of an occupant of the vehicle.

[camshaft]

Maybe post the whole section as there has been people asking about open wine etc....

You just did.....and I was simply responding to the OP's post about transporting in the cab of a vehicle. It doesnt matter what kind of liquor it is...cannot be w/i easy reach of an occupant.

[ctd]

Beer gets put on the floor or seat of my truck, If the case is opened it will put on the floor.
Been pulled over many times at check stops and been asked why the beer is not in the box of the truck. I say the box of the truck is for tools and materials not consumables. Mixing consumables with non consumables is a no no. Getting the beer box smelling like diesel fuel is a real big no no in my house hold.
Never had a problem, then again I don't drink and drive.
I did have one officer push the issue, I said see you in court about this matter, she then tried to give me a sealt belt fine as I removed it to get my registration from the glove box. I was fully stopped and the vehicle was in park prior to removing my belt. She also said she smelt I had booze on me and thought I was drunk.
I explained to the Officer that I wished for my truck to be impounded and for the vehicle computers be checked for the time before and after the vehicle was stopped and to see when the seat belt was removed. She laughed and said no way they could do that (tell if the vehicle was stopped or seat belt removed). I said why don't we get the Computer guys on the phone from Chrysler to see if they could. Of course if it all come out in her favour I would have to pay the whole cost of the fines associated with the tickets, impounding and Computer Techs work ($5000 at the time for them). Or if she was wrong I sue here for wrongfully accussing me of not wearing a seatbelt and insinuating that I was drunk while driving.
She told me to have a good night and go directly home.

I smiled and said you have a good night to Officer.

No fine and no further problems.

[Mrs.SheepGuide]

In our area last year... there was zero tolerance for alcohol in the vehicle. The people with suv's had to dump there's even though it was in the very back of the vehicle. And yes with car's and trucks it has to be in the trunk or the box of the truck.......And you also have to be able to produce a reciept for your liquor. :)

[MountainTi]

In our area last year... there was zero tolerance for alcohol in the vehicle. The people with suv's had to dump there's even though it was in the very back of the vehicle. And yes with car's and trucks it has to be in the trunk or the box of the truck.......And you also have to be able to produce a reciept for your liquor. :)

GF got stopped in town (Caroline) in Nov. at a F&W checkstop after leaving the liquor store (getting beer for me of course) and she had it in the back seat of the truck. Let her go through, but was told don't do that again, it has to be in the box.

[Jimboy]

Liquor can't be within easy reach of the driver. Needs to be in the trunk of the car, or box of the truck. In the case of a mini van in the back.

Consumption in vehicles
84 Except as otherwise provided for in this Act or in a liquor
licence, no person may consume liquor in a vehicle unless, when
the liquor is being consumed, the vehicle is a temporary residence.

WRONG , liquor can be transported in any vehicle truck cab or whatever , as long as its in a bag with receipt unopened.
lf l am also wrong , then why dont the cops just sit outside a liquer store and pinch every one that buys booze , they all put it in the vehicle beside them , suvs seen it put in the back door , trucks never seen anyone put it in an open box for thieves or to freeze if its beer.

[DairyMan7]

Ya put it in the back, or box of truck.
But your safe if you have a pickup truck and liquor is in the cab, like that one fella said in a bag the furthest place from the driver with a receipt.
SUV's have a back, so put it in the back, same as hatch backs, or mini's.

If a cop has a problem, and poors it. Talk with his boss that day or the next.
Secondly if its -20 and your going home which in most cases 5-10 minutes away ok tops 20min.

Beer aint going to freeze in that time
So put it in the box.

[rugatika]

I can't count the number of times I've grabbed beer or whatever and put it on the seat next to me to go to a friends or home from the LB store (Liquor Board store for those not from Sask).

I would like them to define "easy reach". I hate these gray areas that leave this crap up to someone elses interpretation.

Mrs. Sheepguide...they were actually NOT allowing people with SUV's to transport liquor??? Seems like that would be an easy win in court to me.

This country has waaaay tooo many nanny state laws. How about we just narrow it down to no drinking and driving? Once again we find we are all being punished for the sins of a few. Where is the harm in hauling a case of beer in the seat next to you??? Is it too much of a temptation for an otherwise law abiding citizen to withstand?? No...just another feel good law that accomplishes nothing. Someone that wants to drink and drive has already committed a more serious crime and is not going to worry about the transport aspect. Just like the gun registry accomplishes nothing. Trying to outlaw a legal activity in the hopes of stopping an illegal one.

A bill should not be able to pass into law unless it can be demonstrated that the law is preventing something that is likely to cause harm to someone. (ie: murder, arson, drinking and driving, rape, etc, etc). Carrying a six pack in the seat next to you does not have the potential to cause harm...it's the act of drinking it and driving that causes harm.

[camshaft]

WRONG , liquor can be transported in any vehicle truck cab or whatever , as long as its in a bag with receipt unopened.
lf l am also wrong , then why dont the cops just sit outside a liquer store and pinch every one that buys booze , they all put it in the vehicle beside them , suvs seen it put in the back door , trucks never seen anyone put it in an open box for thieves or to freeze if its beer.

Jimboy: Can u pls provide the Statute or Act you are referring to in order to support this claim. The Gaming and Liquor Regulation is very clear and its already been posted. A bag, receipt, and whether its open has nothing to do with the offense. You cannot have liquor within "easy reach" of an occupant. I dont know how many times this has to be posted. Is it a grey area? Perhaps. Simply practice due diligence and make reasonable efforts to ensure the booze cant be reached. Can u get a ticket for a case of beer sitting next to you on the seat....of course you can.

The answer to your question is because cops have better things to do with their time. How many cops have checked to ensure your "secondary hood latch" is operational? Im not sure what your source of information is, but if you search the "Alberta Gaming and Liquor Regulation", you can actually find out what the law is regarding this matter.

[Redfrog]

I just put a trigger lock on it and put it in a case under the seat locked in place with a chain and combo lock.

[Jimboy]

Jimboy: Can u pls provide the Statute or Act you are referring to in order to support this claim. The Gaming and Liquor Regulation is very clear and its already been posted. A bag, receipt, and whether its open has nothing to do with the offense. You cannot have liquor within "easy reach" of an occupant. I dont know how many times this has to be posted. Is it a grey area? Perhaps. Simply practice due diligence and make reasonable efforts to ensure the booze cant be reached. Can u get a ticket for a case of beer sitting next to you on the seat....of course you can.

The answer to your question is because cops have better things to do with their time. How many cops have checked to ensure your "secondary hood latch" is operational? Im not sure what your source of information is, but if you search the "Alberta Gaming and Liquor Regulation", you can actually find out what the law is regarding this matter.

Well l,ve been doing it for 50 years , walk in buy beer , put it on the floorboard of the truck , in a bag with reciept , and everyone else that comes out of any store l go to does the same , was stopped once or twice in a checkstop , seen beer was unopened and in bag with reciept and sent on my way , what the hall we suposed to do any different with it , tow it behind in a wagon.

[camshaft]

Well l,ve been doing it for 50 years , walk in buy beer , put it on the floorboard of the truck , in a bag with reciept , and everyone else that comes out of any store l go to does the same , was stopped once or twice in a checkstop , seen beer was unopened and in bag with reciept and sent on my way , what the hall we suposed to do any different with it , tow it behind in a wagon.

...sigh....hence why people such as yourself shouldnt give legal legal advice. So you have been breaking the law for x amount of years and post that it is legal to do so simply cuz you havent been caught or given a ticket...well done :rolleye2:

Some poor guy takes your "expert" advice, gets a ticket and then scratches his head why he got a ticket saying "I read this one guy who did this for 50 years and it was never a problem...." Do some research before you decide to educate people on what the law is please :sign0176:

[Okotokian]

Glad this thread was posted. I knew all this once upon a time but have to be honest in saying I have obviously forgotten it and am lucky I've never been stopped. No, drinking while driving is not what I'm talking about LOL

[bigd]

well l,ve been doing it for 50 years , walk in buy beer , put it on the floorboard of the truck , in a bag with reciept , and everyone else that comes out of any store l go to does the same , was stopped once or twice in a checkstop , seen beer was unopened and in bag with reciept and sent on my way , what the hall we suposed to do any different with it , tow it behind in a wagon.

lol

[maxpower2506]

jimboy: Can u pls provide the statute or act you are referring to in order to support this claim. The gaming and liquor regulation is very clear and its already been posted. A bag, receipt, and whether its open has nothing to do with the offense. You cannot have liquor within "easy reach" of an occupant. I dont know how many times this has to be posted. Is it a grey area? Perhaps. Simply practice due diligence and make reasonable efforts to ensure the booze cant be reached. Can u get a ticket for a case of beer sitting next to you on the seat....of course you can.

The answer to your question is because cops have better things to do with their time. How many cops have checked to ensure your "secondary hood latch" is operational? Im not sure what your source of information is, but if you search the "alberta gaming and liquor regulation", you can actually find out what the law is regarding this matter.

exactly!!!!!

[Jimboy]

...sigh....hence why people such as yourself shouldnt give legal legal advice. So you have been breaking the law for x amount of years and post that it is legal to do so simply cuz you havent been caught or given a ticket...well done :rolleye2:

Some poor guy takes your "expert" advice, gets a ticket and then scratches his head why he got a ticket saying "i read this one guy who did this for 50 years and it was never a problem...." do some research before you decide to educate people on what the law is please :sign0176:


good grief

[Tundra Monkey]

When I was 17 I ran the windshield washer lines in my 78 Lil' Red Express through my ashtray. Couple of cokes/glasses and and we were good to go....4 shots or 6 :happy0180:

ahhh GOOD TIMES (different times)

tm

[vinny]

I went through a checkstop just before Pincher Creek on my way to go camping in BC once. Cop asked if I had any liquor in the vehicle (Dodge Ram 4 door). I said I had just bought booze in Fort Macleod, it's on the floor in the back (receipt with it). He told me they could ticket me, but just told me to put it in the trailer or in the box of the truck. I didn't know this was illegal either till then.

[chasingtail]

When I was 17 I ran the windshield washer lines in my 78 Lil' Red Express through my ashtray. Couple of cokes/glasses and and we were good to go....4 shots or 6 :happy0180:

ahhh GOOD TIMES (different times)

tm

lol, we did the same thing, I remember when we were underage, we could fit 8 cases of beer under the hood of the old dodge to sneak out of town, cops never looked there.

[bb356]

lol, we did the same thing, I remember when we were underage, we could fit 8 cases of beer under the hood of the old dodge to sneak out of town, cops never looked there.

The old Chargers had tons of room in the front !!!

[spinerfisher]

Well l,ve been doing it for 50 years , walk in buy beer , put it on the floorboard of the truck , in a bag with reciept , and everyone else that comes out of any store l go to does the same , was stopped once or twice in a checkstop , seen beer was unopened and in bag with reciept and sent on my way , what the hall we suposed to do any different with it , tow it behind in a wagon.

X2

[bigoldan43]

Yep. I have spent many hours sitting with the local Peace Officers watching the liquor store to make sure booze goes where it is supposed to. 99% of people know where to put it which is good.


Yeesh! All the problems and crimes going on in this world and we have LEO's doing this? Maybe it's just me, but that sounds petty to me. I've not had any issues, but if this is going on, I'm getting a ticket. I have an extended cab. I open the back door, set the booze in, and carry on. Just like I set everything else I pick up.