Sleeping in your car while under the influence may seem like a sure way to avoid an OWI in Indiana. However, some circumstances surrounding your decision may still get you arrested.
Here is what you should know about sleeping in your car and OWIs.
Can I get an OWI for “sleeping it off” in my car?
If officers infer that you were in control of the vehicle while intoxicated, you can still get an OWI. The circumstances can be as simple as sitting in the front seat with your keys within reach. Additionally, if police have eyewitness accounts or physical evidence of you driving the vehicle under the influence, you may get an OWI. For example, if there are fresh tire tracks in the snow leading to the parked car where you are napping, authorities can use this as evidence that you were, at one point, operating the vehicle while intoxicated.
What can I do to help protect myself from an OWI?
While many factors influence OWI charges for sleeping in your car under the influence, there are a few ways to improve your chances of getting home safely without OWI charges, including:
- Getting a ride with a sober friend or rideshare service
- Sleeping as far away from the front seat as you can
- Separating yourself from your keys
Avoiding your vehicle while under the influence is an ideal way to avoid an OWI. If sleeping in your car is the safest option available to you, be sure you do not start the vehicle and keep these factors in mind.
