Date: Mon, 24 Jul 2000 14:24:40 -0700
Reply-To: Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Daniel Schmitz <djs@gene.com>
Organization: Genentech, Inc.
Subject: Re: Fw: Alcohol Consmption In Westies! (longish)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
What Matthew Bulley said I agree with, and also...
I think the rules of the park will take precedence over the RV's compliance with
general regulations (what's on the sticker). If the park has a policy against
consuming alcohol inside a vehicle, the fact that said vehicle is an RV is of
little import.
I've never had this come up as a problem when camping, however. As long as my
alcohol consumption is limited to the camper/campsite or follows whatever rules
are in force at the camping area (except where alcohol is specifically banned),
and said consumption is not a problem re public drunkenness (which it is not), I
have always been able to consume adult beverages in or around the immediate
vicinity of my (stationary) camper.
I think that the open container rule definitely applies when driving the
vehicle, however. That's probably an obvious point to make because the design of
the camper is such that an open container in the back is the same as an open
container in the cab area. These are basically just little vans with camping
appliances added. They are small vehicles with interiors that do not partition
the driving area from the "living" area, nor is there secure storage that is
inaccessible from the interior (unless you store your libations overhead in the
luggage rack)
Thus, I would think passenger vehicle rules apply. At least I consider my
Westfalia to be a passenger vehicle, not an RV. In any event, the van should not
be moving if alcohol is being consumed by anyone IN it (granted, my rather
Victorian approach to this issue may elicit vitriolic comments from candidates
for the Darwin Award who are inclined to consume adult beverages in moving
vehicles...)
When I registered my Colorado-purchased Westfalia here in California, the DMV
required me to bring it in to verify the VIN and inspect the vehicle. At that
time, they noted that because it includes a bed, stove and fridge, it meets the
basic definition of an RV, rather than a passenger vehicle. Of course, it's
simply a passenger vehicle with a bed, stove and fridge, but the DMV classifies
as an RV for registration purposes.
Those better informed or having a differing opinion may now commence
disagreeing.
Dan
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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