on the road

[Sonny & Pam]

I have dumb question;
what is the law for having a open bottle of booze in the kitchen area while driving down the road?
I don't drink at all but my friend wants to bring a bottle of GIN and maybe have a drink or 2 on the road.

Thanks

[Possum]

I have liquor in my MH at all times. In my province it is OK as long as it is not within my grasp while driving. I think this all depends on the powers that have jurisdiction in the province / state you drive in.

[W4MBG]

and what kind of day the LEO is having...

[bucks2]

Many times the law uses the back of the drivers seat as the dividing line between drivers operating area and the "home" portion of a motorhome. So your friend sitting on the couch drinking may not be in violation, but if he were sitting in the passenger seat he probably would be in violation.

My guess is, that anytime a traffic stop was made there would be a lag time between when the lights went on and when the officer was able to visually identify someone drinking an alcoholic beverage inside my MH. Anyone still holding an alcoholic beverage when he got to the door probably deserves a ticket. I'm pretty sure that any beverages still in sight would be soda pop in my MH.

Just my thoughts, and I've been wrong before.
Ken

[historyljc]

Sonny, for what reason would they be going in your MH to find it?

[bucks2]

For "officer safety" the officer will often want to determine how many people are aboard and see what their state of mind is. This is much easier in a car or pickup, more difficult in a van or motorhome. He/she does not want surprises, for obvious reasons.

If there are half a dozen obviously intoxicated passengers, yelling about the F'n cops harrasing us, it's a little different story than if it's my wife and I with a small dog. Seems like a reasonable request to look in and see the situation. I'm sure you can refuse to allow him to look in. That's probably well within your rights. I imagine there might also be a couple of hours between when you're stopped and when the officer gets off duty. He can spend them with you checking lights, and safety equipment, or he can spend them with other duties. I'll bet his paycheck stays the same either way.

[GaryKD]

Hi Sonny & Pam,
It depends on:
1. the state
2. time of the month
3. slow crime day
4. individual officer's mood
5. individual officer's attitude

There are a bunch more that could be listed. For me, the bottom line is consider treating alcohol the same as a gun.

[Fred1609]

Best advice would be to tell your friend to wait until after the drive. Whey put yourself in a potential jam. Common sense rules the day

[read & learn]

We keep our hard stuff under the sink behind closed doors and the cold stuff in the frig unopened. Can't get in trouble that way.
When we come back into the USA from Mexico in the Motor Home [yes we still go into Mexico with the MH], the Border inspectors ask how much booze are we bring back from Mexico. Our answer is always the same 2 bottles each.
Remember that's all you are allowed each 30 days and they do put that in the computer.

[Sonny & Pam]

Thanks all; I think I'll just leave the booze at home!!!!!
Pam or I don't drink at all so we wont miss it.
On the other hand friends wife will always have a drink in her hand.