Can I legally have a drink

[Welsh will]

Wow what a really interesting topic. Im sure a topic most of us would like to know a deffinite answer but nobody seems to know. Some very good suggestions on here about keeping clear of drivers seat, windscreen blinds drawn and steering lock fitted, aswell as obvious of keep keys well clear of ignition and as i intend to do actually lock them somewhere seperate. Will take these suggestions away and deffintely use them so thanks.
Does seem though to all depend on the actual police officer......if he or she a proper jobs worth then id of thought things might get abit worrying but id like to think that aslong as you not causing a issue with anything but minding your own they would leave you be. Obviously this would be an ideal world, something that doesnt always happen unfortunalty.
Good topic though and really good input from everyone thank you.

 

[Robmac]

I insured the van for the wife, although she has never driven it.

She is teetotal, so if she is with me she can be the designated driver.

 

[Deleted member 58274]

....deary me, so...I arrive at pub with full intention of having a few beers ... all advice taken and ignition key out of sight. Have already arranged for family member to arrive next morning with second set of keys to drive us home. Can my "intent" be proven otherwise ?? .....I doubt it... Maja

 

[Roger Haworth]

This is a very interesting topic which has been discussed time and time again on this forum. As has been said earlier there is no definitive answer to the question. My understanding is however that we as WC members collectively know of no instance where a motorhome driver has been prosecuted for DIC while staying overnight either wilding, on an aire, in a pub car park or on a campsite. Please let me know if this is not the case. If what I understand as the position is correct then we can probably conclude that the risk is very minimal.

 

[mistericeman]

It just goes around and around and around.... Mainly I suspect as there is NO black and white answer...
As I understand it DIC is one of a very small number of offences that place the burden of proof onto the accused (guilty until/unless proven innocent)

However as I understand it (from a serving police officer) unless you are found slumped behind the wheel over the limit with the keys in the ignition....
Or staggering back to your vehicle with keys in your hand, where there is GOOD REASON to expect you might actually attempt to drive...
The police are unlikely to bother attempting to prosecute you....

Sat parked up,on ramps, screens covered, drivers seat rotated with ignition off and keys placed in a none easily accessible place....
In a bloody campervan/motorhome....
You are unlikely to get more than a friendly knock if that....

A bit of perspective and common sense should see you right....

 

[argoose]

Just what I was thinking. Unless you were in the driving seat with keys, I doubt that even if an over zealous officer was to make an arrest, that the case would not make it to court.

 

[Deleted member 58274]

Sense

...some common sense/reality prevails....mines a pint ..hic !! .....

 

[alcam]

Sorry, but that is utter and complete twaddle.

Correct .
The OP has started an inordinate number of posts recently . There may be a prize for this , not sure . No reason why they shouldn't but that sums up the relevance and importance of this thread . Anybody who is alarmed or concerned by some of the daft comments should just think logically . There isn't a problem .
Unless , of course , you live next door to trevskoda or employ his uncles lawyer

 

[vindiboy]

I think the biggest threat to those stupid to drink to excess when in charge of a motor vehicle is the fool who drives the morning after still with excess alcohol in their system , I also think that the penalty for drink driving is not harsh enough.

 

[Channa]

I think the biggest threat to those stupid to drink to excess when in charge of a motor vehicle is the fool who drives the morning after still with excess alcohol in their system , I also think that the penalty for drink driving is not harsh enough.

The issue may well be alcohol with the older generation,Youngsters are the serious issue with illegal drugs particularly weed. Until recently roadside testing has been difficult and still not enough police about to catch anyonedrink or drugs unless in an accident.

As a society we really need to take an objective look at the problem, young people as a rule arent doing the pubs like our generation a £10 bag of weed comparitive is cheaper than a night out and still off with the fairies. Locally £20 is getting the kids a shot of cocaine and that is more common than a lot of people think.

Channa

 

[vindiboy]

The issue may well be alcohol with the older generation,Youngsters are the serious issue with illegal drugs particularly weed. Until recently roadside testing has been difficult and still not enough police about to catch anyonedrink or drugs unless in an accident.

As a society we really need to take an objective look at the problem, young people as a rule arent doing the pubs like our generation a £10 bag of weed comparitive is cheaper than a night out and still off with the fairies. Locally £20 is getting the kids a shot of cocaine and that is more common than a lot of people think.

Channa

Well I think drug swipes are as common as the breathalyzer these days , I think the Police do both if a suspect is found, we as a society are on a downward slope .more rough sleepers more druggies on our streets more knife crime and guns are becoming more of a problem, but do not worry the Government have a cunning plan, they are reducing the number of Police on our streets,so reported crimes are going down, maybe a change of Government will help, I'm sure Jeremy has a better plan??