Does Travis County, TX have its own public alcohol use ordinance?

No. Travis County, TX does not appear to have a local public alcohol use ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from TX Penal Code 49.031.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Travis County

Travis County, TX Public Conduct: Public Alcohol Use (2026)

Light Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

Vehicle open container: Class C misdemeanor
Park glass: Banned countywide
Lake holiday rules: Seasonal restrictions
Enforcement: TCSO park rangers

Summary

Travis County prohibits public consumption of alcohol in county parks and on the Highland Lakes shoreline by ordinance, while broader open container rules in vehicles follow Texas Penal Code Section 49.031 statewide.

City-specific rules exist: Austin has its own public alcohol use rules that differ from Travis County's county-level regulations. If you live in Austin, check the city-specific page instead.

Sec. 49.02. PUBLIC INTOXICATION. (a) A person commits an offense if the person appears in a public place while intoxicated to the degree that the person may endanger the person or another. (a-1) For the purposes of this section, a premises licensed or permitted under the Alcoholic Beverage Code is a public place. (b) It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the alcohol or other substance was administered for therapeutic purposes and as a part of the person's professional medical treatment by a licensed physician. (c) Except as provided by Subsection (e), an offense under this section is a Class C misdemeanor.

Source: TX Penal Code 49.031View official code

Full Breakdown

Travis County Code adopted park and lake ordinances banning glass containers and limiting alcohol consumption in designated areas of Lake Travis, Pace Bend, Hippie Hollow, and other parks, especially during peak weekends and holidays. Texas Penal Code Section 49.031 prohibits open alcohol containers in the passenger area of vehicles on public roadways. Austin city code separately bans public drinking in central business district sidewalks and certain entertainment zones. TCSO and Travis County Park Rangers enforce park rules, and TABC handles licensed-premises violations.

Violations & Fines

Drinking in restricted park zones or possessing open containers in a moving vehicle is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $500, plus park ejection and possible glass-ban citations during temporary holiday orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink on a boat at Lake Travis?

Generally yes for passengers, but boat operators face BWI rules, and seasonal county orders can restrict alcohol on shorelines and at specific parks during major holidays.

Is open container allowed for passengers?

No. Texas Penal Code 49.031 prohibits open containers in the passenger area of any motor vehicle on a public road, regardless of who is drinking.

Sources & Official References

[1]TX Penal Code 49.031

Other rules in Travis County

Aggressive PanhandlingLight Restrictions Loitering RulesSignificant Restrictions Outdoor Smoking RestrictionsSome Restrictions Public Marijuana UseFew Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseLight Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Wildlife FeedingSome Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Breed RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Travis County rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Travis County to another location·View the Texas public conduct overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Public Alcohol Use in Cities Across Travis County

Austin, TX Pflugerville, TX