Club 80-90 Forums

As with everything legal this is not a definitive answer but,
http://www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q563.htm
This is an open site to the public feel free to browse.
On a side note legally you could still have issues on most campsites

i was almost duone when i was agency drinking a hgv parked up for the night in a truck stop and had had 3 beers police were going round just to make people aware i was breathalised and was just over the limit the police said they could do me as i was in the truck cab with the keys with me they said the only real way of getting round it is to have the ignition key outside the cab which you could hide outside and then lock yourself in then you can be done for drunk in charge!!!
They did say tho they very rarly do anyone but if you start the engine then your fare game!
But then you could argue your on private land but depends on the copper ??

i was nearly caught out like this many years ago ,, i was camping in a layby just off the main road ( was part of an old road with bad bend ) keys were hiden in a hedge next to the camper ,, policeman was happy with that and said that all was ok not sure if it would be the same in this day n age

Geoffreybill wrote:.but the message has to be 'If you intend to drive...don't drink.

Well, yes, obvisouly... but the point about the camper van is being in it... having a beer... and not driving.

There are three offences that you could possibly be charged with,

* drive a motor vehicle whilst over the permitted limit (OPL)
* attempt to drive a motor vehicle whilst OPL
* in charge of a motor vehicle whilst OPL.

The third option may be the most relevant. You must show that there is no likelihood of you driving whilst you are over the limit, otherwise you will commit this offence.

'No likelihood' - so set up a picnic table, a BBQ, some good food, some friends, sit in the sunshine... "There is no likelihood of me driving anywhere, I'm having far too good a time sitting here"

The post is more for information, the problem I have noticed on this site is some people are ignorant to the law on drink drive, unfortunately ignorance is not a defense. Personally when camping I do enjoy a drink or two and by having a little bit of knowledge I want to share it so others don't fall foul of the law and can enjoy themselves responsibly and legally.
This isn't some crazy get of technique like eating onions or chewing coins (no they really do not work!) this is about staying legal and within the law.
Ignorance is bliss and is not meant to be a put down, like look at me I know stuff!

Had anybody asked the question to this bleedin statin the obvious topic anyway?

dalmationman wrote:If you are on a campsite ( or anywhere else for that matter ) If drinking alcohol for the evening what about just taking the rotor arm out of the distributor and put in in your washbag.
Surely you then cannot be charged with "intent to drive" because how can you intend to drive a van that won't start ?

You may be drunk in charge of a motor vehicle, but I dont think that would stick because the "motor vehicle " wouldnt have a working motor

As I understand it, the problem is that even drunk you can put the rotor arm back into distributor and drive away. Only way to avoid this kind of problem is to put a breathalyser system on vehicle so it will not start if you are over the limit. Kinda ridiculous, but do-able I guess.

Seems there is no safe way to drink while using a camper.

Wait! Travel in pairs and exchange keys when you park up for the night! Show the copper the keys you have and ask him to try and start your van.

Just hope your buddy in other van doesn't drive off and leave you with his spare set of keys.

sort of how i do it my missus cant drive she has keys therfore im not drunk in charge!!

if she has been drinking she will be drunk in charge whether she can drive or not.

they have tried (and still do) to prosecute truckers that sleep and drink in laybys but the RHA usually takes them to the cleaners in court, there was a big case where 3 drivers were on their 48 hour weekend break in a layby drinking and chilling out. The police tried to prosecute all of them for being DIC but it was argued in court that they could not leave the vicinity of the vehicles, could not move the vehicles without first breaking the tacho law and was likened to being DIC of your own house. Court threw it out.

If they really want to they will push for prosecution but if they really wanted to they can come on a campsite and arrest you for being DIC of your own 10 year old son/daughter

there was a great song if you like early rap) a few years ago by KRS1 called "f+*k the police"!!!!!

jamesc76 wrote:there was a great song if you like early rap) a few years ago by KRS1 called "f+*k the police"!!!!!

that was by NWA - great thumping bit of bass as an opening - really punches you

oh bugger it was, im thinking of whoop whoop same style lol cheers louey!