Final answer:
Driving with an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle is generally illegal across the United States, though some states allow for the open container to be legally stored in the trunk or a locked glove compartment.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is generally illegal to drive with an open container of alcohol in your vehicle in most states in the United States. The specific laws regarding the transportation of open alcohol containers can vary from state to state, but there is a broad federal directive known as the open container law that states that having an open container of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle is prohibited. This rule typically applies regardless of whether the driver or any passenger is over 21.
However, there are some exceptions, and one of these is if the open container is in the trunk of the car. In this case, because the trunk is not considered part of the passenger area, it can be legal to transport an open container of alcohol. Some states may also allow a locked glove compartment to count as a permissible storage area. It's important to check and follow the specific laws and regulations of the state in which you are driving.