Date:         Wed, 4 Nov 1998 17:47:27 -0500
Reply-To:     Phillip Bouton <pbouton@NACCHO.ORG>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Phillip Bouton <pbouton@NACCHO.ORG>
Subject:      Re: Open container (alcohol) law & the Westy????
Comments: To: Eric Pickering <mv_54@OMALP1.OMERESA.OHIO.GOV>,
          vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

A law officer would have to have probable cause to search your vehicle, such
as alcohol on your breath or your smelling like MJ , etc.  If you have not
drunk anything before driving, you should not have a problem as long as the
alcohol is closed/capped and stored out of reach/sight of the
driver/passengers.  This is no different than having a half empty bottle of
wine in a bag in the back seat or trunk area.  If you have not been drinking
then you have nothing to worry about (breathalyzer would be neg.).  Best
advice is not to drink and drive-drink and sleep in your van/westy!

Also word of warning-I heard that in Ontario, CA., police can search your
car without probable cause.  Let me know if I'm wrong.

-----Original Message-----
From:   Eric Pickering [mailto:mv_54@OMALP1.OMERESA.OHIO.GOV]
Sent:   Wednesday, November 04, 1998 10:35 PM
To:     vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Open container (alcohol) law & the Westy????

Question:
        How does law read regarding open containers in Westfalias?  I mean,
not
cruising down the road holding a beer bottle, but a corked bottle of
wine or Jack Daniel's finest in one of the back cabinets!  I know common
sense would say that is fine but a nosey police officer and a poorly
written law could get you/me in trouble.  Any lawers or officers of the
law out there that can give me some insight?  I'm in Ohio if location
matters (but travel all over).

Thanks,
Eric

P.S. I don't receive the list right now so please respond to it and me
directly!

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