Sovereign citizens use the term “conveyance” instead of “vehicle” to try and circumvent traffic laws and registration requirements. Here’s how:
- Semantic Distancing: By using a different word, they create a semantic distance from the legal definition of a “vehicle” subject to regulations [1,]. It’s a wordplay tactic, not a legal distinction.
- False Contract Theory: Some sovereign citizens believe using “conveyance” implies they’re not operating under a government-issued driver’s license or vehicle registration, but a private contract outside the legal system [2]. This theory has no legal validity.
- Challenging Authority: By using “conveyance,” they might attempt to challenge an officer’s authority during a traffic stop, arguing they’re not “driving” a vehicle requiring a license [3]. Courts reject such arguments, focusing on the actual function of the machine.
Why it doesn’t hold up:
- Legal Definition: In reality, “conveyance” has a well-established legal meaning encompassing any means of transportation, including vehicles.
- Misunderstanding Authority: Traffic laws apply to all modes of transportation, regardless of the term used.
- Courts See Through It: Courts are familiar with sovereign citizen tactics and don’t differentiate between “vehicle” and “conveyance” in the context of traffic laws.
In essence:
- Sovereign citizens use “conveyance” to create a false distinction and challenge legitimate government authority.
- It’s a wordplay tactic, not a legally meaningful difference.
- Traffic laws apply to all conveyances, including those sovereign citizens call “conveyances.”
Citations:
- [1] UNC School of Government: A Quick Guide To Sovereign Citizens https://www.sog.unc.edu/publications/bulletins/quick-guide-sovereign-citizens
- [2] Police1: 5 responses to a sovereign citizen at a traffic stop https://www.police1.com/patrol-issues/articles/5-responses-to-a-sovereign-citizen-at-a-traffic-stop-FZ4ruThuMxTHVgEO/
- [3] 9 things to prepare for when encountering sovereign citizens
https://www.sog.unc.edu/sites/www.sog.unc.edu/files/Sov%20citizens%20quick%20guide%20Nov%2013.pdf
