Drinking Beer In Public: Michigan's Law Simplified

Michigan's open container laws prohibit the transportation and possession of open alcoholic beverages in public spaces, including parking lots, and on highways. This includes open or uncapped containers, as well as containers with a broken seal. However, there are exceptions where consumption and transportation of open alcohol are permitted, such as in designated social districts. These districts are intended to give local governments the choice of whether to allow the open consumption of alcohol outside of licensed premises, benefiting entertainment districts and adjoining restaurants.

Michigan's open container law

Exceptions

Inaccessible areas: An open container can be transported in the trunk of a vehicle, or if there is no trunk, behind the last upright seat, in a locked glove compartment, or in an area not occupied by the driver or passengers.

Chartered vehicles: The open container law does not apply to passengers in state-authorized chartered vehicles such as taxis or limousines.

Social districts: Local city governments can grant permits for the open consumption of alcohol in designated social districts. These areas are intended to give patrons more freedom of movement and enjoyment. However, only alcoholic beverages purchased from participating businesses within the district are allowed to be consumed, and the containers cannot exceed 16 ounces in size.

Penalties and Fines

An open container violation in Michigan is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense, carrying a maximum fine of $100 and up to 90 days in jail. Additionally, two points will be added to the offender's driving record, and they may be ordered to perform community service and undergo substance abuse screening and assessment.

Drinking in state parks

Michigan has strict rules about drinking in state parks and boat launches. Alcohol restrictions have been put in place to enhance safety and create a welcoming environment. In certain situations, the park manager can grant written authorization through an event permit.

• Belle Isle Park - entire park
• Dodge #4 State Park: entire park
• Grand Haven State Park - entire park
• Holland State Park - entire park
• Island Lake Recreation Area - except for rented picnic shelters
• Maybury State Park - entire park
• Pontiac Lake Recreation Area - day-use areas
• Silver Lake State Park - ORV area, ORV welcome center area, pedestrian area, and within .25 miles of the boundaries of the ORV scramble area
• William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor - entire park
• Yankee Springs Recreation Area - Deep Lake campground, mountain bike parking lot and boating access site 8-18

You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time between March 1 and Sept. 30 in the following places:

Grand Mere State Park - entire park

You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time between April 1 and Sept. 30 in the following places:

• Brighton Recreation Area - Bishop Lake day-use area
• Warren Dunes State Park - entire park

You may not possess or consume an alcoholic beverage at any time between April 1 and Labor Day in the following places:

• Fort Custer Recreation Area - entire park
• Hoffmaster State Park - modern campground
• Holly Recreation Area - day-use areas south of McGinnis Road
• Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area - entire park
• Muskegon State Park - day-use areas
• Pinckney Recreation Area - 1) rented shelters in the Silver Lake and Halfmoon day-use areas and 2) within .25 miles of Pickerel Lake day-use area/parking lot
• Proud Lake Recreation Area - day-use areas east of Wixom Road
• Seven Lakes State Park - entire park
• Sterling State Park - entire park
• Van Buren State Park - day-use areas and designated swim beach
• Yankee Springs Recreation Area - Gun Lake day-use area

Drinking in a vehicle

Michigan's open container law prohibits both drivers and passengers from possessing or transporting open containers of alcohol in a motor vehicle. This includes any liquid or compound containing alcohol, such as spirits and medicated powders. The law applies to all self-propelled vehicles on a public road or highway, including Segways.

There are some exceptions to the open container law. For example, it is permissible to transport open containers in the trunk of a vehicle, behind the last upright seat, in a locked glove compartment, or in any area not occupied by the driver or passengers. Additionally, the law does not apply to passengers in chartered vehicles such as taxis or limousines.

Violating the open container law in Michigan can result in fines, jail time, and license-related consequences. An open container violation is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense, punishable by up to a $100 fine and 90 days in jail. Offenders may also be ordered to perform community service and undergo substance abuse screening. Furthermore, two points will be added to the offender's driving record, and accumulating 12 or more points within two years can lead to the loss of driving privileges.

Drinking in public

Michigan's open container laws prohibit the transportation and possession of open alcoholic beverages in public spaces, including parking lots, and on highways. This includes open or uncapped containers, as well as containers with a broken seal. However, there are exceptions where the consumption and transportation of open alcohol are legal. For example, it is permitted to have an open container in a locked glove compartment or behind the last upright seat in a vehicle.

In July 2020, Michigan introduced social districts where the open consumption of alcohol is permitted. These districts are areas where local governments have granted permits for the consumption of alcohol outside of licensed premises. For example, the city of Royal Oak has a social district that includes Main Street and side streets, connecting about 40 bars and restaurants. It's important to note that these districts only allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages purchased from one of the participating businesses and that outside beverages are not permitted.

When it comes to state parks and boat launches, there are specific locations where alcoholic beverages are not permitted at any time. These locations include Belle Isle Park, Dodge #4 State Park, Grand Haven State Park, and Holland State Park, among others. There are also parks where alcohol is prohibited during certain periods, such as Grand Mere State Park (March 1 to September 30) and Brighton Recreation Area (April 1 to September 30).

Drinking age

In Michigan, it is illegal to transport or possess an open container of alcohol in a vehicle or in a public place. This includes both the driver and any passengers in the vehicle. The law applies even if the driver is sober and no alcohol has been consumed from the container. An open container is defined as a container with a broken seal or one that is open or uncapped.

However, there are some exceptions to the law. Open containers can be transported in the trunk of a vehicle, behind the last upright seat, in a locked glove compartment, or in any area not occupied by the driver or passengers. Additionally, the law does not apply to passengers in chartered vehicles such as taxis or limousines.

The legal drinking age in Michigan is 21 years old. Individuals under the age of 21 are prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or consuming alcoholic beverages. It is also illegal for businesses to sell or serve alcoholic beverages to minors.

The state of Michigan takes the enforcement of its alcohol-related laws very seriously. An open container violation is considered a misdemeanor criminal offense and can result in fines, jail time, and license-related consequences. Fines can be up to $100, and individuals may be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail. Additionally, two points are added to the offender's driving record, and accumulating 12 or more points in a two-year period can result in a loss of driving privileges.

Frequently asked questions