Rules for Calling Shotgun

[fuzzymallard]

I was sifting through time using the wayback machine, attempting to collect screenshots of web design work I had done in the past, when I came across this lost content:



Rules for Calling "Shotgun"

This guide illustrates the proper procedure for "calling shotgun". Winning a "shotgun" call gives you the privilege of utilizing the best passenger seat in the vehicle: the front seat opposite that of the driver.

Terminology

• Session usually refers to the current car trip. Stops at rest areas, eateries, etc. where all
  passengers exit the vehicle is typically referred to as a session. The driver has final say of the
  definition of "session" in all said disputes.
  
• Trip refers to the car ride between the point of origination to the intended point of destination. The definition may change during the course of trip due to driver / passenger decision-making, or due to mechanical failure. A fuel stop is not a trip delimiter unless specified by the driver.
  
• Ride refers to a joyride, or a ride with no set destination. If a destination is chosen during the ride, the ride becomes a trip. Fuel stops are not delimiters of a ride unless specified by the driver.
  
• Calling individual refers to the person making
  a "shotgun" call.
  
• Driver refers to the person who intends to operate the vehicle to be used for a trip/ride/session.
  
• Passenger refers to any individual who is currently or intends to occupy the vehicle.
  
• The call refers to the act of pronouncing the entire word "shotgun". Persons with a speech
  disability must make the call using their primary method of communication.
  
• Shotgun privileges refers to the privilege to occupy the front passenger seat of the vehicle.
  

Section A: Making the call

1. The calling individual must make the call for themselves.
   
2. A call cannot be transferred to another individual. That is to say, person A may not make the call with
   intent for person B to obtain shotgun.
   

Section B: Location of the call

1. The calling individual must make the call when the vehicle is within visual sight.
   
2. The calling individual must make the call when either the driver of the vehicle, or all passengers are in
   sight.
   
3. No mirrors or optical devices other than prescription lenses may be used to obtain visual identification
   of the vehicle, driver, or passengers.
   

Section C: Confirmation

1. The first person to submit a valid call is said to have "won" the call.
   
2. The driver need not confirm the winner of the call.
   
3. In cases of discrepancy of the aforementioned rules, the driver ultimately determines winner of the call,
   while reserving right to call a "reload".
   

Section D: Reload

1. Only the driver may choose to call "reload".
   
2. A "reload" call forfeits all passengers for the current setting who have won a "shotgun" call.
   
3. After the driver has finished pronouncing the word "reload", all passengers who have not already won a "shotgun" call may immediately make a new "shotgun" call.
   
4. The driver acknowledges the first caller of "shotgun" as winner of the call.
   
5. The driver may call "reload" while the vehicle is in motion. The winner of the call may occupy the shotgun position only after the vehicle has assumed the appropriate position. This rule is usually utilized when the shotgun passenger has committed an injustice such as consuming an alcoholic beverage, revealed contraband, spilt a substance, damaged the car, etc.
   

Amendment I: The Balk

1. If the winner of the shotgun call has lifted the door handle while the doors were in the process of being unlocked, thereby causing the passenger door to remain locked, the shotgun call is void.
   
2. The former winner of the shotgun call looses his/her privileges to call shotgun for the session in question.
   
3. Any other passenger is free to make a shotgun call after a balk occurs.
   
4. It is the driver's privilege to call "balk" when the balk takes place, for the purpose of notifying
   passengers of the opportunity.
   

Amendment II: The Great Escape

1. If the shotgun occupant leaves the vehicle to perform a deed for themselves, they lose shotgun privileges for the session.
   
2. If the shotgun occupant leaves the vehicle to perform a task for the driver or another
   passenger (pump fuel, purchase goods, etc) they retain shotgun privileges.