DUI Laws Regading Other Vehicles
DUI laws aren’t just for drivers of cars and trucks on the road; in most states, you can also be charged with DUI-related offenses for operating other motor vehicles, i.e., any vehicle that has a motor, which may include but are not limited to the following modes of transportation:
- Airplanes
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
- Boats
- Electric wheelchairs
- Go-karts
- Golf carts
- Helicopters
- Mopeds
- Motorcycles
- Scooters
- Snowmobiles
- Tractors
- Yachts
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) and Flying Under the Influence (FUI) are specifically designated in most states as crimes. Different legal alcohol and drug limits may apply, and with FUI, there may be federal charges as well since you’re also dealing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Some states’ laws even include non-motorized vehicles as well. Accordingly, in those states you can be charged with DUI-related offenses for things like riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. As strange as it sounds, riding a horse while under the influence may even get you into trouble in some states.
Definition of “Operating” a Mode of Transportation
It is also important to note that some states don’t even require actual movement of the vehicle for a DUI charge; “operating” is defined so broadly by some states that even sitting in a running, parked car or a non-running, parked car while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can lead to a DUI charge.
As the broad definition of “operating” may also apply to the various motorized and non-motorized modes of transportation above, you should be careful of even sitting in the driver’s position of all of the above examples while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
As always, you should consult an experienced DUI attorney in your area for advice regarding your specific situation and what DUI laws might apply to you.