US Virgin Islands Driving Laws
In simple terms, drinking laws are rather liberal in the Virgin Islands, even in connection with driving a motorized vehicle. According to most of the information aimed at visitors who plan to party in the islands (and may also rent a car while there) it's legal to walk around in public carrying your beer or mixed drink. Apparently you can even get into your car with that same drink then drive around while enjoying the alcoholic beverage.
But woe to the individual who has already had too much to drink and then gets into a car to drive. Yes, it is OK to have a drink in your hand while you are driving but it is definitely not OK to be drunk while you are driving. In fact, most reports indicate that there are few automobile accidents in the Virgin Islands in which drunk drivers are the main cause. People are allowed to drink at age 18, but it seems that, for the most part, this doesn't translate into a serious, life-threatening drunk-driving society.
There are a few details to keep in mind, however, if you are planning to visit the Virgin Islands and drive a car while there. This is the only United States territory that provides for driving on the left-hand side of the road. This may prove to be difficult enough for someone who is driving on the islands for the first time. But you may also find that many of the vehicles have the steering wheel on the left side as well. This is different from cars in the U.K., which have steering wheels on the right side but you drive on the left side of the road.
Since there are no "open container" laws as described above, getting pulled over by a Virgin Islands policeman isn't necessarily cause for alarm. But there is this item called "probable cause" on the law books that visitors should learn more about. Make sure you understand that an officer may stop you to see what condition you are in and for a lot of other reasons. If you are really drunk and may be a danger to others you could be in serious trouble. The best plan is to drink in moderation and drive only when you are in complete control.
It may be best to make some preliminary plans for car rental if you want to do the driving while in the Virgin Islands. The scenery is magnificent but it may take some practice to get used to the left-hand side of the road before you can really enjoy the islands from a vehicle. Don't expect perfect highway conditions similar to the United States and many European countries.
The Virgin Islands highway safety agency and police departments have stepped up their program warning about being drunk while driving. This is in response to the rise in the number of drunk-driving incidents involving visitors. Again, use moderation and don't drive unless you are in control.