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Can you get a DUI in a self-driving car?
My friend recently argued that you couldn’t get charged with a DUI if you’re riding in a self-driving car. I’m not convinced, and I’m worried about him spouting off dangerous mistruths. Can you get a DUI in a self-driving car?
Maxine Boyko · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
You’re totally in the right for worrying about this sort of thinking. The truth is, our technology is not quite there yet and you can still get a DUI in a self-driving vehicle.
No cars available for sale in the United States are completely self-driving. Although the vehicles on the consumer market may appear to be self-driving, they are simply not reliable enough or technologically advanced enough that they can truly drive on their own without human intervention.
“Self-driving” cars on the road today are actually only semi-autonomous and not meant to replace an active, engaged driver continually monitoring the vehicle’s performance. These vehicles are more comparable to putting on the
cruise control
in your car than they are to sitting in the back of a taxi.Essentially, if you are at the wheel of a self-driving car, you have to remain alert, clear-thinking, and be ready to take control of the vehicle if anything goes wrong. Sorry to break it to your friend, but you are none of those things while intoxicated.
Furthermore, in some states, you can
get a DUI
for sitting in your parked car while intoxicated, and could face the same exact penalties as a DUI charge while driving. So call your friend a cab, put him to bed, and wake him up when the technology is here. Until cars are flawlessly driving everyone around without any accidents, you’ll need car insurance—and plenty of it! Try downloading
Jerry
the licensed broker and car insurance
comparison app. It’s free to download, straightforward to use, and easy to make any changes. Find your pick from over 50 carriers and have the peace of mind that you have the best possible coverage. MORE: First robotaxis coming to L.A.
View full answer
- Gregory R.
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.
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