Can you get a D.U.I. on a horse?
You can’t technically get a D.U.I on a horse because you aren’t driving. You can however get a R.U.I. Riding Under the Influence. You may not get arrested for it either. But in a lot of cases you will get arrested for animal cruelty. Take this for example :
Two men in Austin Texas were arrested on January 13, 2011. Jose Rios and Samuel Olivo were arrested for riding a horse and a mule in downtown Austin. They were trying to coax people into taking pictures with them and their animals. Police “pulled” them over to take a sobriety test, Jose was so intoxicated that he was unable to finish the test. The police arrested the pair for Driving While Intoxicated (D.W.I.) and the animals were taken to animal control. One of the men was so intoxicated that he had to be hospitalized for alcohol poisoning. The charges were dropped to public intoxication, but I doubt they will ever do that again.
This photo is by ktylerconk
This is different from a getting arrested for R.U.I. on a bike because even if you lose consciousness, the animal will continue walking. As for riding a bike, you would probably just fall over.
I sincerely apologize for the poor way on which I’ll ask the following question, but why is a fourteen year old writing for ‘ask the judge’ ? Granted it’s the internet, and nothing is sacred, nor should be accepted at face value. But the average person would be expecting advice from someone with experience in the field.
Dear Logan: We invite and value comments from our readers and occasionally post articles written by teens. Thanks for asking. -ATJ.info
Actually, in 2012 a FL man was arrested and charged with DUI on a horse, as well as animal cruelty for riding it to exhaustion (Charles Larkin Cowart). In Montana, the definition of ‘vehicle’ specifically excludes animal powered transportation, so there it is technically legal, though you may still get a public drunkenness charge. This can vary from state to state.
Dear Nici: Thank you very much for your comments and the additional information.
I have never heard of someone being charged with a DUI while riding a horse but it makes sense though.
it is not impossible that you have to be in a car to get a DUI / DWI Charges. As long as you harm the safety of the public because of the influence of alcohol then the Law will give you the corresponding sanction.
Thank you for your input, Ash. Some states have included riding, biking, boating and flying in their DUI statutes. However, most states have a separate statute for boating under the influence. Everyone should look to the specific laws in their state. Thanks again for your comment.
(This is information only – not legal advice.)
I would guess the same laws would apply to operating a bicycle while intoxicated but here is a better question-
What if you are sober but the horse is intoxicated?
DUIs are expensive. I’m going to bet that RUIs are just as expensive.
You’re probably right but the community service includes mucking out stalls and fines can be paid in oats & carrots.
In regards to operating a vehicle (or animal) while intoxicated, we need to have laws in effect that impose tough penalties on the guilty individuals.
A DUI while riding a horse??? What’ll they think up next 🙂
It would depend on the definition of ‘driving’. Would an RUI law apply to riding a bicycle I wonder???
Good point, Beth. There are laws across the country regarding recreational activities when mixed with alcohol or other drugs – all barred as illegal.
A DUI from riding a horse???…never heard of that before 🙂
Technically, legally speaking you cannot be arrested for DUI, but you can still be arrested for public intoxication.
It would depend on the definition of “driving” under your local & state laws.