Drinking Alcohol in an Automobile

Do not have an open alcoholic beverage in an automobile unless you are in a taxi, limo or other commercial vehicle and the driver expressly permits you. With very few exceptions, it is illegal in Las Vegas to have an open alcoholic beverage in a car while on a road or highway. Nevada law generally permits open containers in cabs, limos, shuttles, or buses used primarily for the transportation of people for a fare.

Unlawfully having an open container of alcohol in a car in Nevada is a misdemeanor. The penalty can be up to 6 months in jail, and/or up-to $1,000 in fines.

Being Drunk in Public

Party – but be smart. Not surprisingly, you can be drunk in public in Las Vegas! Well, sort of. It is not illegal to be drunk in public, but you may find yourself charged with, among other things: 1) trespass, 2) disturbing the peace, 3) DUI, 4) boating under the influence or 5) violating open container laws. Again, remember to know when enough is enough.

Driving Under the Influence – Over 21 Years of Age

DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE IN LAS VEGAS.

It is never acceptable, or worth it, to drink and drive in Las Vegas, especially when it is so easy to get around by taxi, limo, Uber, or Lyft.

The State of Nevada prohibits driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 percent or above. The .08 BAC standard is the measurement used across the United States for an “impaired” driver. Nevada has lower limits for drivers under the age of 21 and commercial drivers.

It is difficult to determine the exact number of drinks for a driver to reach the .08 limit. Each person’s physical characteristics such as weight, sex, and body type play a role in the BAC equation. Additionally, the type of alcoholic beverage, the length of time between drinks, and other factors such as whether you have eaten will affect your BAC. As such, the best rule of thumb is simply not to drink and drive in Las Vegas.

Your first drunk driving conviction in Nevada will cost you between $400 and $1,000. You may go to jail for up to 6 months and be required to perform community service. Your driver’s license will be suspended for 90 days. After 45 days of your driver’s license suspension, the court may allow you to drive with a restricted license for the remainder of your sentence. You will also be ordered to attend a DUI school at your own expense and may also be ordered to attend an alcohol treatment program if your BAC was .08 or above. The penalties for a second or third offense get substantially harsher.