Vernon Tough on Open Containers

Motorists driving around Vernon should think twice about letting passengers party in the car.

That's because Vernon is stricter than the state.

"Yes, locally, we take it s step further and we want people aware of it," said Vernon Police Department spokesman Lt. William Meier.

A few weeks ago, in a segment of "Ask a Trooper," State Police Public Information Officer Lt. J. Paul Vance outlined the state's open container law regarding motor vehicles:

"The operator of a motor vehicle cannot possess an “Open Container” in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, that he or she had been drinking from. However, if the operator has other occupants in the vehicle with him or her, those occupants can possess an open container, and in fact drink from it, as long as they are not operating the vehicle and are older than 21."

In Vernon, though, Section B or Ordinance No. 195 puts more restrictions on the passengers:

" … No person shall consume any alcoholic liquor, or have in his possession any open container of alcoholic liquor, while upon or within the
limits of any public highway, public area or parking area within the Town of Vernon. The possession of an open container of alcoholic liquor or consumption therefrom by any person while in a motor vehicle parked within or upon a public area, shall also be a violation hereof."

The penalty for a violation of Ordinance 195 is a fine of no more than $99.

Meier said violators will be give a summons to court to pay the fine.