Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 9 - Reckless, Negligent, or Impaired Driving; Fleeing or Eluding Police
Section 21-903 - Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages While Driving on Highway

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
        (2)    “Alcoholic beverage” means a spirituous, vinous, malt, or fermented liquor, liquid, or compound that contains at least 0.5% alcohol by volume and is fit for beverage purposes.
        (3)    (i)    “Passenger area” means an area that:
                1.    Is designed to seat the driver and any passenger of a motor vehicle while the motor vehicle is in operation; or
                2.    Is readily accessible to the driver or a passenger of a motor vehicle while in their seating positions.
            (ii)    “Passenger area” does not include:
                1.    A locked glove compartment;
                2.    The trunk of a motor vehicle; or
                3.    If a motor vehicle is not equipped with a trunk, the area behind the rearmost upright seat or an area that is not normally occupied by the driver or a passenger of the motor vehicle.
    (b)    This section applies to a motor vehicle that is driven, stopped, standing, or otherwise located on a highway.
    (c)    A driver of a motor vehicle may not consume an alcoholic beverage in a passenger area of a motor vehicle on a highway.
    (d)    Notwithstanding § 6–320, § 6–321, or § 6–322 of the Alcoholic Beverages Article, or any other provision of law, the prohibition contained in this section applies throughout the State.

Structure Maryland Statutes