Can You Drink Alcohol In A Campervan?
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Is It Legal For Me To Drink Alcohol In A Campervan?
The question of whether you can drink alcohol in a Campervan or not has always been an area of great debate. There should actually be no debate, as it is a legal matter. However, the wording of the Law in this case is so ambiguous, that is puts the onus on the accused to somehow find evidence to prove there was no Intent to do something that they have not yet done! Let me explain?
There are two main offences that the Police could try to charge you with (below), taken directly from the (impossible to navigate) Gov.uk Website. Either or both could apply if you were questioned in your Campervan while having excess alcohol in your system.
- Driving or attempting to drive while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
- Being in charge of a vehicle while above the legal limit or unfit through drink
The first instance stated above is pretty much cut and dried. If you get into your Campervan, put the keys into the ignition and start it up or move it whilst over the limit, you are going to get charged.
The second instance is the area for debate, and the area that could get you into trouble even if you have no intention whatsoever of driving your Campervan. The phrase “In Charge Of” is the problem.
There appears to be no legal definition whatsoever, anywhere which describes what being in charge of a vehicle actually it. So this, unfortunately for us, leaves it open to interpretation. When things are left open to interpretation, they can, and usually do, get messy and/or expensive.
If you are going to drink alcohol to an amount over the Drink Drive Limit you are going to have to prove “beyond reasonable doubt” that you do not intend to drive if you are questioned by the Police. Read More...
