DL checkpoint went sideways - for the other guy. - Page 5

tiwee · July 3rd, 2009, 01:16 PM

I have had a license to drive for 46 years. I have been stopped at six checkpoints during that time. All six were in Japan over a three year period. They just stick a wand in your window to sniff for alcohol. No alcohol, you are moving in five seconds. One time driving with any alcohol in your system in Japan resulted in lifetime loss of driving privilege. Worked with a couple of guys in that situation. They accommodated themselves to their circumstance largely because of the public transportation system. They both had parking spaces at work that went empty every day. No one used their spaces. Some sort of status or respect thing. That is how I found out they could not drive.

Japan probably has very few if any alcohol related driving issues.

nn · July 3rd, 2009, 02:12 PM

NCTom:
Sorry you were cheated; bet, the guy was drinking and now has a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor; oh well.

Riccur · July 3rd, 2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Majorlk

There in no mention anywhere of a right to be happy. :)

I think we all do have a right to be happy, it may be the one right too many of us readily give up!!

Last I checked its awful hard to take away a feeling unless one is willing to give it up.

Orygun2 · July 3rd, 2009, 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcp1810

But there are many means of transportation that do not require a drivers license. You are free to walk anywhere you wish so long as you are not trespassing. You can ride your bicycle, take a train, ride a horse, take a bus, or fly. Any one of these can get you where you want to go and do not require you to have a drivers license. So requiring an operators license to drive a motor vehicle on government owned and maintained roadway does not deny you your freedom to travel.
Also, you do not have any right to happiness in this country. You certainly have a right to pursue your happiness (within the law)but nowhere is it guaranteed you will achieve it.

ETA: If you look at the clarification part on the page from that first link you will see that the poster even states there is a clear legal distinction between "drive" and "travel".

Good posting, thanks for articulating these points better than I.

GWRedDragon · July 3rd, 2009, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OPFOR

That's all well and good, GWRed, but operating a vehicle on public roads is inherently dangerous to others; thus the need for a license at all. And if we are required to BE licensed, it could certainly be found Constitutionally sound that we could be asked to provide proof that we ARE licensed.

I know, all I'm saying is that the license requirement is only valid insofar as it relates to safe operation, and safe operation only. And, in most cases, it does.

I just wouldn't like people losing their license due to something unrelated to driving in an unsafe manner.

mlr1m · July 3rd, 2009, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orygun2

That's true to a point, but again, the right to drive is not in the Constitution. As such they can set any arbitrary rule they want. Ridculously low speed limits, speed traps, red light cameras, use of seatbelts, driving with insurance and not driving drunk to name just a few.

Do I agree with all of them? No, but the roads I operate my car on do not belong solely to me so I agree to the rules so I may use the roads.

The checkpoints are a pain in the azz, but someone you know or love may be alive today because one of those morons was taken off the road one night.

Outside of certain admendments none of our Rights are listed in the Constitution. The Constitution only lists the powers of the Federal Government.

Michael

Majorlk · July 3rd, 2009, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tiwee

One time driving with any alcohol in your system in Japan resulted in lifetime loss of driving privilege.

I sincerely wish the US would adopt this policy.

GWRedDragon · July 3rd, 2009, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Majorlk

I sincerely wish the US would adopt this policy.

Lifetime? People change. Maybe...20 years.

Majorlk · July 3rd, 2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWRedDragon

Lifetime? People change. Maybe...20 years.

There is never any justification for driving and drinking.

If the penalty for such conduct was severe enough - and enforced - the DUI/DWI rate would plummet.

SleepingZ · July 3rd, 2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Majorlk

I sincerely wish the US would adopt this policy.

Really, no really??? Fine, lets say you just came from church, and happen to have communion that day.

I have very very little respect for "zero" tolerance policies.

Z

July 3rd, 2009, 01:16 PM	#41
tiwee Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ozarks Posts: 897	I have had a license to drive for 46 years. I have been stopped at six checkpoints during that time. All six were in Japan over a three year period. They just stick a wand in your window to sniff for alcohol. No alcohol, you are moving in five seconds. One time driving with any alcohol in your system in Japan resulted in lifetime loss of driving privilege. Worked with a couple of guys in that situation. They accommodated themselves to their circumstance largely because of the public transportation system. They both had parking spaces at work that went empty every day. No one used their spaces. Some sort of status or respect thing. That is how I found out they could not drive. Japan probably has very few if any alcohol related driving issues. __________________ Amendment 2 advocate - Trying to explain the obvious to the oblivious.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

July 3rd, 2009, 02:12 PM	#42
nn VIP Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: NC Posts: 5,878	NCTom: Sorry you were cheated; bet, the guy was drinking and now has a felony charge instead of a misdemeanor; oh well.