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For 16, does this mean that you can't ordinarily sleep in the back of the van, but they allow it if drunk to discourage drunk driving, or that you're not consid

For 16, does this mean that you can't ordinarily sleep in the back of the van, but they allow it if drunk to discourage drunk driving, or that you're not considered to be drinking and driving if you stay in the back? I'm just amused at the idea of keeping a bottle of around for emergency legal compliance.

pcl 12y ago
In some places (including much of the US, I believe), you can be arrested for drunk driving even if you're not in the driver's seat. Here's some info on California's laws [1]. The idea is that you are in the car and capable of driving it, even if you're not in the driver's seat yet. According to the urban legend, the trick is to get rid of your keys if you need to sleep in the car while drunk (i.e., swap keys with a friend who's in a different car), since you can then argue that you did not have the ability to drive the car. [1] http://www.rencherlawgroup.com/Practice-Areas/DUI-Defense/Parked-Car-DUI.aspx http://www.rencherlawgroup.com/Practice-Areas/DUI-Defense/Pa...
- qznc 12y ago
  Germany seems to be more lax. When I started to drive I got this advice: Always keep a half-empty bottle of vodka (or anything) in your trunk. If you have an accident while driving drunken. Get the bottle before the police arrives. Tell them: That accident was such a shock, I had drink something. Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer. I never tested this. Do NOT drive drunken!
awjr 12y ago
In the UK, there was concern that people asleep in camper vans could be 'got' as in charge of a vehicle. I do still believe being in the back of a van drunk parked on the road would be putting yourself in a 'legally' risky position. To be honest just be sensible. Use parking lots, lay-bys, and quiet roads, oh and have a couple. In the morning you are driving again! Most places aren't too bothered about you sleeping over night (and will state if they are on the parking lots). What they dislike is you staying in the same spot. Not an issue if you are driving to work in the morning. ;)

pcl 12y ago

In some places (including much of the US, I believe), you can be arrested for drunk driving even if you're not in the driver's seat. Here's some info on California's laws [1]. The idea is that you are in the car and capable of driving it, even if you're not in the driver's seat yet. According to the urban legend, the trick is to get rid of your keys if you need to sleep in the car while drunk (i.e., swap keys with a friend who's in a different car), since you can then argue that you did not have the ability to drive the car. [1] http://www.rencherlawgroup.com/Practice-Areas/DUI-Defense/Parked-Car-DUI.aspx http://www.rencherlawgroup.com/Practice-Areas/DUI-Defense/Pa...

qznc 12y ago
Germany seems to be more lax. When I started to drive I got this advice: Always keep a half-empty bottle of vodka (or anything) in your trunk. If you have an accident while driving drunken. Get the bottle before the police arrives. Tell them: That accident was such a shock, I had drink something. Disclaimer: I'm not a lawyer. I never tested this. Do NOT drive drunken!

awjr 12y ago

In the UK, there was concern that people asleep in camper vans could be 'got' as in charge of a vehicle. I do still believe being in the back of a van drunk parked on the road would be putting yourself in a 'legally' risky position. To be honest just be sensible. Use parking lots, lay-bys, and quiet roads, oh and have a couple. In the morning you are driving again! Most places aren't too bothered about you sleeping over night (and will state if they are on the parking lots). What they dislike is you staying in the same spot. Not an issue if you are driving to work in the morning. ;)