The official Shotgun Rules

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Preamble:
The rules listed below apply to the calling of "shotgun" (the passenger seat) in an automobile. These rules are definitive and binding.


The Basic Rules-

1: In order to call shotgun, the caller must say the word "shotgun" in a clear voice. This call must be heard and acknowledged by the driver. The other occupants of the vehicle need not hear the call, as long as the driver verifies the call.

2. "Shotgun" may only be called if all occupants of the vehicle are outside and directly on the way to the said vehicle.
(A garage is considered outside only if the garage door is open, and all passengers are making their way towards the car. They all must be able to see the car as well. Carports are covered by the awning rule.

Awning Rule: Once all passengers have exited through the final doorway on the way to the car, (provided the car is in view) they are considered outside and may call shotgun no matter what covering is overhead. This rule applies to all awnings, covered decks all outdoor shelters.

3. Early calls are strictly prohibited. Shotgun may only be called while walking toward the vehicle and only applies to the drive immediately forthcoming.

4. Shotgun can never be called while inside a vehicle or still technically on the way to the first location. For example, one can not get out of a vehicle and call shotgun for the return journey.

5. The driver has final say in all ties and disputes. The driver has the right to suspend or remove all shotgun privileges from one or more persons.

Special Cases
These special exceptions to the above rules should be considered in the order presented, the case listed first will take precedence over any of the cases beneath it, when applicable.

1. in the instance that the normal driver of a vehicle is drunk, eating or otherwise unable to perform their duties as driver, then he/she is automatically given shotgun.

2. In the instance the person who actually owns/rents a vehicle is not driving, then he/she is automatically given shotgun, unless they decline.

3. In the instance that the driver's spouse is going to accompany the group, he/she is automatically given shotgun, unless they decline. Serious boy/girlfriends should also receive preferential treatment in regards to shotgun.

4. In the instance that only one person knows how to get to a given location and this person is not the driver, then as the designated navigator for the group they automaticaly get shotgun, unless they decline

Duties
The passenger who is shotgun must serve as navigator. By this he/she must watch for signs and intersections that the drver may miss during the course of a road trip. The navigator must also ask for directions out the window. It it also their responsibilty to take control of the Cd, radio and a/c, however the driver has final say over play selections and settings. Other occupants of the car can also be given an opinion. The shotgun may also be asked to operate other devices such as windshield wipers and the rear window defroster. If the shotgun is caught forgetting their duties and makes the car listen to commercials, bad music, or books on tape, their privilege can be lost.

L.A. amendment- In the event the car is about to pass an abandoned tool, or any item the driver might find useful in some way, it is the reponsibilty of the shotgun to open their door and scoop up said tool, while the car is still in motion

Chicago amendment- the shotgun must possess the abilty and the will to insult other drivers and be heard, only if they deserve it (i.e.: being cut off) this is to allow the driver to continue to operate the vehicle properly and to make if necessay, a fast getaway. [/list]
Pleae follow the above rules to the best of your ability. If there are any arguments or exceptions not covered in these rules, please refer to rule 5.

Keep'em flying



[This message was edited by Migflanker on July 08, 2003 at 12:42 PM.]