As springtime approaches, many of us start to think about enjoying the warmer weather with outdoor parties, and this inevitably involves drinking. While most of us are acutely aware of the drink driving rules, but how do you stand if you’re carrying passengers in your Skoda Rapid who want to indulge while you drive?
As springtime approaches, many of us start to think about enjoying the warmer weather with outdoor parties, and this inevitably involves drinking. While most of us are acutely aware of the drink driving rules, but how do you stand if you’re carrying passengers in your Skoda Rapid who want to indulge while you drive?
The Legal Standpoint
While the legality of alcohol in vehicles is often concentrated on the driver, there are some Australian states where it is illegal for passengers to consume alcohol in a car, even if it is parked by the side of the road with the engine off.
Western Australia, along with Queensland, ACT or Tasmania are areas where it is illegal for anyone to drink alcohol in a car. This means that while you may be stone cold sober at the wheel of your Rapid, you could still find yourself in legal trouble. It is also important to note that here, you can also be convicted of drink driving if you try to sleep off a big night out in the back of your car. The WA government changed the street drinking laws in 1988 with the approval of the Liquor Control Act. This made it illegal to drink alcohol in a road or street, even if you’re in a parked car. While this is not the same as drink driving, it is still illegal and could land you in trouble.
Other States
If you’re feeling a little hard done to, you should be aware of the laws in other states. Queensland has particularly harsh drink driving laws. There have been convictions of drink driving in cases where a people were sleeping in their car after drinking. The critical issue in Queensland is that you are “in charge” of a vehicle while intoxicated. This means that if your keys are on you, sitting on the dash or anywhere in easy reach, you’re in charge of your vehicle. Drink driving in Queensland is a strict liability charge regardless of whether you intend to drive, so if you’re over the limit in your vehicle, you’re guilty. Legal experts in Queensland suggest handing keys off to a sober friend and not sitting in your vehicle while you wait to be picked up to avoid this problem.
Supervising Learners
You should also be aware that if you’re supervising a learner driver, you cannot drink alcohol. If you’re in the front seat with a learner driving, you’re classified as the supervisor, and you must have a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 or less in Western Australia.
If you would like to know more about the Skoda Rapid, you should call in and see us. We have a wide choice of skoda models including the Rapid Spaceback for sale. You’ll also find our sales team ready to answer any queries, discuss finance options or arrange your test drive.
