A vehicle is something that gets you from point A to point B, but not all vehicles are going to be looked at as equal when a police officer suspects you of drunk driving. Cars, trucks, vans, eBikes, and ride on lawnmowers all have one thing in common: you can receive a drunk driving charge on any of those vehicles because they’re motorized. Even if you’re considered to be in physical control of that motorized vehicle and you’re not actually driving it, you can still be charged with DWI or DUI.
Other vehicles, like a bicycle or a horse, fall into a grey area. A horse is not a motor vehicle, but that doesn’t stop some states from charging you with drunk driving on a horse if you’re pulled over on one. One man in Kentucky was charged for drunk driving on a horse, and another man from Colorado was charged for both drunk driving and animal cruelty because he was riding his horse while drunk.
But lawmakers in Minnesota don’t consider a horse to be a motor vehicle, and if you’re found on one and you’re drunk, you won’t be charged with drunk driving. That doesn’t mean you get off free and easy. While a police officer may not legally be able to hand you a drunk driving charge, you could still be charged with public intoxication.
Drunk driving, no matter if it’s on a horse, golf cart, lawn mower, or car, is a really bad idea. If you’re ever in a position where you need a ride, choose a cab or a ride share instead of choosing a vehicle. You’ll be safe and you won’t have to worry about whether or not you’ll be stopped for drunk driving.