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sks legal question

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by eagle33199, May 9, 2006.

  1. eagle33199

    eagle33199 Platinum Member

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    So i was thinking about this the other day... With conventional cars, you can be arrested for drunk driving the second you put the keys in the ignition, even if you haven't started the engine. With the sks, however, i never have to take the keys out of my pocket, so at what point would someone be considered "operating" the vehicle? when they get in the car? when they step on the brake? when they push the power button?
     
    #1 eagle33199, May 9, 2006
  2. firepa63

    firepa63 Former Prius Owner

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ May 9 2006, 08:31 PM) [snapback]252465[/snapback]</div>
    When they leave the bar...
     
    #2 firepa63, May 9, 2006
  3. walt

    walt New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(eagle33199 @ May 9 2006, 08:31 PM) [snapback]252465[/snapback]</div>
    Usually, generally, if you sit in the driver's seat, you have "shown intent" to drive. If you go over to the passenger side or rear seat and snooze, no intent, since you can't drive from there.
     
    #3 walt, May 9, 2006
  4. Schmika

    Schmika New Member

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    A recent U.S. district court ruling in the midwest said having the keys anywhere in the vicinity was enough to be "operating" for purposes of DUI or DUS.
     
    #4 Schmika, May 9, 2006
  5. nmrickie

    nmrickie Member

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    I've thought about this question, too. I certainly wouldn't want to be the test case.
     
    #5 nmrickie, May 9, 2006
  6. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

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    Geee Ocasefer I was not getting in this car I was just waiting standing here waiting for a taxi. I don't have any keys!?
     
    #6 hdrygas, May 9, 2006
  7. Bill Lumbergh

    Bill Lumbergh USAF Aircraft Maintainer

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(walt @ May 9 2006, 08:54 PM) [snapback]252487[/snapback]</div>
    We've had people convicted of DUI on base for simply crawling into the back of their vehicle (keys in pocket) and falling asleep, never having entered the driver's seat.

    For the Prius with SKS, I'd say DUI occurs if the operator presses the power button while intoxicated.
     
    #7 Bill Lumbergh, May 10, 2006
  8. qbee42

    qbee42 My other car is a boat

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    I think you could make a good case for pressing the power button on a Prius.

    Tom
     
    #8 qbee42, May 10, 2006
  9. nmrickie

    nmrickie Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Boxster...WRX...Prius? @ May 9 2006, 10:43 PM) [snapback]252612[/snapback]</div>
    If this is true, you're in more control of a Prius with the key in your pocket than a regular car -- you'd just have to push the button versus fumbling for the key and putting it in the ignition.
     
    #9 nmrickie, May 10, 2006
  10. daniel

    daniel Cat Lovers Against the Bomb

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    Why would you even be sitting in the driver's seat if you were drunk?
     
    #10 daniel, May 10, 2006
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