Date:         Tue, 25 Jul 2000 08:19:12 -0500
Reply-To:     Chris Smith <chris.smith@aquila.com>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Smith <chris.smith@aquila.com>
Subject:      Re: Fw: Alcohol Consmption In Westies! (longish)
In-Reply-To:  <397CB418.E7E84C29@gene.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

These laws vary from state to state.  In the Peoples Republic of Illinois,
the only open alcohol is allowed in vehicles clearly for hire with livery
plates, ie. limos.  This applies to any vehicle where the keys are in the
car, being driven or not, or even out of the ignition.  The law basically
states that even if the keys are in your pocket, you may not have open
booze of any sort in a private vehicle with the exception of locked in the
trunk.  No trunk = no booze.  As far as camping, we simply drop the keys on
the ground under the camper and all is well.  It's a silly law none the
less.  This is how the courts have defined it because of some very strange
judges.  If the keys are anywhere in the vehicle and your blood-alcohol
level is over 0.08% you can be charged with DUI even if you're asleep in
the bunk.  (had this happen to a friend once)

I only know about Illinois DUI, so this may not apply anywhere else.

Chris Smith
Finally back after the new computer was installed here!
'82 Westy
'74 Thing

"hell I got too much stuff, to explain the likes of me."



>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
> > >
> > >