Why U.S. presidents aren't allowed to drive
LOS ANGELES - We're all wondering who'll win the keys to the White House this November, but the election will also determine who loses the keys to their car-- for good.
Thanks to the Former Presidents Act, which became federal law in 1958, U.S. presidents get a few perks once their terms are over: a pension, health insurance, and lifetime protection from the Secret Service. That last one includes a driver, and that means no driving on the open road. Ever.
Since JFK was assassinated, the Secret Service has been very, very strict when it comes to driving privileges-- but there are a few Commanders-in-Chief who just haven’t been able to keep their hands off the wheel.
Ronald Reagan drove four-wheel drive Jeeps on his property in Santa Barbara, and George W. Bush drove a truck on his ranch in Texas. Barack Obama has driven a Chevy Volt twice-- once on the White House grounds and once after touring an assembly line. Oh, and he caused a commotion in 2014 when he was spotted driving a golf cart solo (Secret Service was not happy).
If Hillary Clinton is elected, not much will change. HRC hasn’t driven in 20 years. And while Donald Trump owns quite a collection of luxury cars, including Rolls Royces and a Lamborghini, he’s no stranger to being chauffeured in limousines.
Imagine it: you’re the President of the United States, the leader of the free world—and you have fewer driving privileges than a 15-year-old. At least it means there’s no more stopping for red lights.