When I lived in California, I was told by more than one cab driver that I was allowed to drink in the back of their cars. I was told that the fact that they had a chauffeurs license allowed open containers so long as it was in the back seat, in the same way that limousines allow it.

Now I live in New York, and have been told specifically by drivers that drinking is not allowed. Does the law vary from state to state, or is one set of drivers mis-informed? Any info appreciated.

I think that would be a state law. Not federal.

When I lived in California, I was told by more than one cab driver that I was allowed to drink in the back of their cars. I was told that the fact that they had a chauffeurs license allowed open containers so long as it was in the back seat, in the same way that limousines allow it.

Now I live in New York, and have been told specifically by drivers that drinking is not allowed. Does the law vary from state to state, or is one set of drivers mis-informed? Any info appreciated.


It's State Law, not Federal, so, yes, it varies. Also depends on whether the driver is an independent or drives for a fleet.

It's State Law, not Federal, so, yes, it varies. Also depends on whether the driver is an independent or drives for a fleet.

Thanks to you both for your answers. And does that mean that in NY it's not legal to drink alcohol in the back of cabs? Or maybe the main fleets don't allow it?

Thanks again!

Thanks to you both for your answers. And does that mean that in NY it's not legal to drink alcohol in the back of cabs? Or maybe the main fleets don't allow it?

Thanks again!



I can't find anything definitive in the Law. I do see that cab companies give latitude to drivers concerning what the driver will or will not allow (Muslems refusing to transport anyone with alcohol being the primary discusssion).

Independents, of course, can set their own rules.

Again - I find nothing definitive. Hopefully someone else knows but it might just boil down to the level of comfort of the driver.