The Arrive Alive website received this request for information earlier today:
“Thank you for a wonderful website. It really makes it easier to access much information about tips and rules regarding safety on the road.
I just need ask/find out:
1. Is it illegal for passengers in a vehicle to consume alcohol while the car is in motion even if the driver is not drinking?
2. Is it illegal for a driver to carry passengers that already intoxicated beyond the legal limit even if he/she is within the legal limit or is not intoxicated at all?
3. Is there a limit to the amount of alcohol that one can carry in a motor vehicle?”
We referred this to the Road Safety Experts for a response, and would like to share some of their comments:
I don’t think any of the actions are illegal in terms of national road traffic act. It could however be in contravention of local by-laws regarding behaviour in public places.
In KZN taverns, hotels, pubs, night clubs are encouraged to provide the buddy -bus system. In essence you can drink as much as you want and catch a ride home with a sober driver behind the wheel. Passengers drinking while being transported is no problem but the problem sits with the sober driver who is entrusted to take care of his passengers travel eg. Do not hang out of moving vehicle etc – In this case the driver will be prosecuted accordingly.
Also view the Arrive Alive website for info on: