Most of the time we post information about ignition interlock devices which often follow DUI or DWI convictions. But sometimes we post general info about DUIs and the circumstances surrounding them. Since it’s grass cutting season you may ask: Can you get a DUI on a lawn mower? The simple answer: Yep. This post will further explain this topic.
MWI: Mowing While Intoxicated
It’s that beautiful time of year when the sun is sunning and the grass is grassing. It seems to grow faster than you can keep up with. You have to make sure you don’t cut the grass too short, but make sure you don’t leave it too long. Make sure you don’t roll over the balls your kid left out in the yard. Make sure you don’t blow grass clippings into the street or onto your neighbor’s driveway.
There are a few things to remember when you’re cutting the grass. One more thing to remember: Don’t drink alcohol before you hop on the yard tractor!
What does the law say?
Laws vary so much from state to state, and law officials and judges must often interpret the laws. The basic elements in many of the non-car DUI cases seem to be that a person was above the legal drinking limit (based on blood/breath alcohol content) and on, in, or operating something that was moving.
Anything capable of transporting persons or property can essentially be considered a motor vehicle.
Can you get a DUI on a lawn mower?
In Florida, a man admitted there was no need for a field sobriety test because he admitted to drinking alcohol before riding his lawn mower down the highway. “Just take me to jail,” he said.
In Delaware, a man was busted for his fifth DUI after it was reported that he was driving the lawn mower on the road and traveling through yards while acting disorderly.
In Kentucky, smoking marijuana drinking a half pint of vodka proved to be a bad idea for someone arrested after driving a lawn mower with no front or rear lights on the road.
In many cases the person had previous arrests and DUIs/DWIs, and many already had suspended or revoked driver’s licenses. Many weren’t even cutting their grass but were instead using the lawn mower as a means of transportation. So it’s possible they were driving a lawn mower thinking law enforcement wouldn’t notice them or that they couldn’t get in trouble for driving this unconventional motor vehicle, but they were wrong.
Non-car DUI cases
So can you get a DUI when driving something other than a personal automobile? Yes, you sure can. Every state’s DUI and DWI laws vary, but some are very broadly defined. In some states, you may receive a DUI if you are in physical control of a vehicle and are too impaired to safely control that vehicle. You can browse the internet and, on seemingly legitimate news outlets, there is no shortage of reported cases of DUIs on things like motorized shopping carts, boats, and lawn mowers.
Stay sober or don’t drive…
…even if it’s just your John Deere. We should remember the dangers of driving drunk no matter what is being operated. If you need help driving safely, call us at (866) 447-8686. Learn more about things related to DUI and DWI by following our blog.
Contact us about ignition interlock device removal
Questions like “Can you get a DUI on a lawn mower?” are easy to answer since you’ll speak to a real person when you call. Don’t try to navigate this stuff alone. We’re always just a call or click away.
Smart Start of Louisiana is the smart choice for ignition interlock because we offer top-notch customer service and a convenient process. Smart Start offers a toll-free 24/7 service line where you can always speak to a real person. We’re here to help you with any questions you have about what you need to bring to your interlock device removal appointment or other topics.
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