6. a. All occupants of a motor vehicle located on a public highway, or the right-of-way of a public highway, shall be prohibited from possessing any open or unsealed alcoholic beverage container or unsealed cannabis item as defined in section 3 of P.L.2021, c.16 (C. 24:6I-33) that is intended to be consumed by means of smoking, vaping, or aerosolizing. This subsection shall not apply, with respect to the possession of an alcoholic beverage, to a passenger of a charter or special bus operated as defined under R.S.48:4-1 or a limousine service.

b. A person shall not be deemed to be in possession of an opened or unsealed alcoholic beverage container or unsealed cannabis item pursuant to this section if such container or unsealed cannabis item is located in the trunk of a motor vehicle, behind the last upright seat in a trunkless vehicle, or in the living quarters of a motor home or house trailer. For the purposes of this section, the term “open or unsealed” shall mean an alcoholic beverage container with its original seal broken, or a container or package that is not the original container or package such as a glass, cup, box, bag, or wrapping.

c. For a first offense, a person convicted of violating this section shall be fined $200 and shall be informed by the court of the penalties for a second or subsequent violation of this section. For a second or subsequent offense, a person convicted of violating this section shall be fined $250 or shall be ordered by the court to perform community service for a period of 10 days in such form and on such terms as the court shall deem appropriate under the circumstances.

L.2000, c.83, s.6; amended 2021, c.16, s.84.