Alcohol and drug use in your vehicle is risky for those living on the road. If you live in your vehicle, it serves as both your home and your vehicle. Many regions have laws against using alcohol or drugs while operating a vehicle, or while being in a vehicle, and living there doesn't make it stop being a vehicle. In general, don't do things in your vehicle that would prevent you from being ready to leave if needed.
People have received citations, DWIs, DUIs, and other penalties for being drunk in their residential vehicle. You will need to be aware of the regulations that are in place for the area you are currently staying. They can vary considerably from place to place, and it is your responsibility to know them and be in compliance.
If you are on public property or on anyone's private property without explicit permission, it's very likely a bad idea to have any alcohol or drugs in your system since it will impair your ability to move safely if you get The Knock or are otherwise required to move your vehicle.
If you are on private property, such as a private campground, and the property owner allows it, it's probably okay to have a drink if you are otherwise in compliance with the law, and if you have taken steps to prevent yourself from driving drunk. For example, giving your keys to someone else for safekeeping.
If you are traveling with someone else who is not consuming alcohol or drugs, you may have an easier time being safe and staying within the law, since that person can operate the vehicle if needed.
Dispose of empty alcohol containers and any controlled substance equipment before driving if possible, or at the first trash bin you see. If your vehicle has an option for external storage, consider having a place for trash on the outside of your vehicle. This way you can keep empty alcohol containers outside your vehicle which may reduce your risk of open-container law violations.[1]
Body temperature
Alcohol makes you feel warmer but lose heat faster; it delivers more heat to the skin at the cost of a lower core temperature. So if you're trying to stay warm in the winter, alcohol provides a short term benefit at a longer term cost.
Resources
| Search forums and groups | Search van life discussion groups for "alcohol and drug use in your vehicle" | |
| Search related sites | Search van life sites for "alcohol and drug use in your vehicle" | |
| Search NomadLife.wiki | Search other pages on this wiki for "alcohol and drug use in your vehicle" |