The Rules of Shotgun
Section I
The Basic Rules
- In order to call Shotgun, the caller must pronounce the word
"Shotgun" long as the driver verifies the call.
- SHOTGUN MAY ONLY BE CALLED IF ALL OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE ARE
OUTSIDE AND ON THE WAY TO SAID VEHICLE.
- Early calls are strictly prohibited. Shotgun may only be called
while walking toward the vehicle and only applies to the drive
immediately forthcoming. 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.
- The driver has final say in all ties and disputes. The driver has
the right to suspend or remove all shotgun priviledges from one or
more persons.
Section II
Special Cases
These special exceptions to the rules above should be considered in the
order presented; the case listed first will take precendence over any of
the cases beneath it, when applicable.
- In the instance that the normal driver of a vehicle is drunk or
otherwise unable to perform their duties as driver, then he/she is
automatically given Shotgun.
- If the instance that the person who actually owns the vehicle is not
driving, then he/she is automatically given Shotgun, unless they
decline.
- In the instance the the driver's spouse, lover, partner, or hired
prostitute for the evening is going to accompany the group, he/she is
automatically given Shotgun, unless they decline.
- In the instance that one of the passengers may become so ill during
the course of the journey that the other occupants feel he/she will
toss their cookies, then the ill person should be given Shotgun to make
appropriate use of the window.
- 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 automatically get Shotgun, unless they
decline.
- In the instance that one of the occupants is too wide or tall to fit
comfortably in the back seat, then the driver may show mercy and award
Shotgun to the genetic misfit. Alternatively, the driver and other
passengers may continually taunt the poor fellow as they make a three
hour trip with him crammed in the back.
Section III
- If the driver so wishes, he/she may institute the Bastard Rules on
the process of calling Shotgun. In this case all rules, excepting
1.4, are suspended and the passenger seat is occupied by whoever can
take it by force.
- The driver must announce the institution of the Bastard Rules with
reasonable warning to all passengers. This clause reduces the amount
of blood lost by passengers and the damage done to the vehicle.
Please follow the above rules to the best of your ability.
This page, and all contents, are Copyright (C) 1994, 1995, 1996 by Steve Cole, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.