diff --git a/src/character.h b/src/character.h
index e6177d039a240..b8a17d3bd0e18 100644
--- a/src/character.h
+++ b/src/character.h
@@ -346,6 +346,8 @@ class Character : public Creature, public visitable<Character>
         bool in_species( const species_id &spec ) const override;
         // Turned to false for simulating NPCs on distant missions so they don't drop all their gear in sight
         bool death_drops;
+        // Is currently in control of a vehicle
+        bool controlling_vehicle = false;
 
         enum class comfort_level : int {
             impossible = -999,
diff --git a/src/player.h b/src/player.h
index 8816647beb6bf..322d0b825f63e 100644
--- a/src/player.h
+++ b/src/player.h
@@ -674,8 +674,6 @@ class player : public Character
 
         // ---------------VALUES-----------------
         tripoint view_offset;
-        // Is currently in control of a vehicle
-        bool controlling_vehicle;
         // Relative direction of a grab, add to posx, posy to get the coordinates of the grabbed thing.
         tripoint grab_point;
         int volume;