You are about to drive a friend home on a public road. Your friend, age 30, has a can of beer that is already open. What does Rhode Island law require?

Correct answer: Put it in the trunk or leave it, because it cannot be in the passenger area.

Why

Under this law, the driver is responsible, so you must deal with the open container before you drive. The rule helps keep drivers from drinking while they drive, which is against the law at any age. Drivers under 21 have an extra rule: they may not carry alcohol in any container, open or closed, in any part of the car, except in some cases with a parent or for work.

Verified against Rhode Island Driver's Manual online version · Drinking / Drugs and Driving (Blood Alcohol Concentration; Penalties) · p. 61, 64