Here is the law from the California vehicle code:
Looks like you are okay as long as it is behind the front seats. <g>

Storage of Opened Container in Passenger Compartment

                                         23226

                                           (a) It is unlawful for any driver to
keep in the passenger
                                         compartment of a motor vehicle, when
the vehicle is upon any
                                         highway or on lands, as described in
subdivision (b) of Section
                                         23220, any bottle, can, or other
receptacle containing any
                                         alcoholic beverage that has been
opened, or a seal broken, or the
                                         contents of which have been partially
removed.

                                           (b) It is unlawful for any ( )1
passenger to keep in the passenger
                                         compartment of a motor vehicle, when
the vehicle is upon any highway or
                                         on lands, as described in subdivision
(b) of Section 23220, any bottle, can,
                                         or other receptacle containing any
alcoholic beverage ( )2 that has been
                                         opened ( )3 or a seal broken, or the
contents of which have been partially
                                         removed.

                                           (c) This section shall not apply to
the living quarters of a housecar or
                                         camper.

                                         Amended Sec. 5, Ch. 384, Stats. 1998.
Effective August 24, 1998.
                                         Amended Sec. 5, Ch. 723, Stats. 1999.
Effective January 1, 2000.
                                         The 1999 amendment added the italicized
material, and at the point(s) indicated,
                                         deleted the following:

                                           1."person"
                                           2."which"
                                           3.","

Brent Christensen wrote:

> Here's an interesting question that was posted to me via www.vanagon.com.
> Anyone have any practical experience with this one?
>
> Brent Christensen
> '89 GL Syncro Westy "Klaus"
> Santa Barbara, CA
>
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: Omega Boys Club
> > To: info@vanagon.com
> > Sent: Monday, July 24, 2000 12:16 PM
> > Subject: Alcohol Consmption In Westies!
> >
> >
> > Hi I drive a '85 westy weekender in California.  I like to go campin and
> > occasionally drink a bottle of wine with friends in the back...  My van
> has
> > these stickers on the passenger door just above the gas cap that state
> that
> > my vehicle complies with Recreational Vehicle laws and regulations etc.  A
> > park ranger was givin' me hassles last weekend about having an open
> > container in my van (RV).  Do you know the laws about having open
> containers
> > in a RV (if in fact a westy is really considered a RV legally).  Can I
> have
> > open containers in the closets, in the open, being consumed in the rear
> > (parked or in motion), etc.
> >
> > I think this is an important topic that all Westy owners should carry a
> copy
> > in their glove box to prove the law if need be to police, rangers, etc. if
> > the problem occurs.  The general public considers westies vans where
> legally
> > I think we (owners) need to be informed on how we as RV owners should be/
> > can be treated differently (and avoid costly fines!).
> >
> > Thank you very much!!!
> > ~Chuck
> >
> >

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