Lawn Mower or ATV DUIs – Are They Possible?
In rural communities, it’s common to see tractors, four-wheelers, or even dirt bikes driven on the roads. Occasionally, you may even see someone driving a lawnmower a short distance, such as to the gas station. With all of the other modes of transportation in use on the highways, does that mean someone could avoid a DUI arrest by driving something other than a car or truck? Can you get a DUI on a lawnmower, ATV, or even a tractor?
It isn’t uncommon in rural communities to see tractors, four-wheelers, or even dirt bikes driven on the roads. Occasionally, you may even see someone driving a lawnmower a short distance, such as to the gas station. With all of the other modes of transportation in use on the highways, does that mean someone could avoid a DUI arrest by driving something other than a car or truck? Can you get a DUI on a lawnmower, ATV, or even a tractor?
The answer is yes. You can be arrested for a DUI on any of these. You could even be arrested for a DUI while riding a horse. Florida Statute 316.193 states that a person is guilty of driving under the influence if they drive or are in physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or chemical or controlled substances.
What Constitutes a Vehicle?
The keyword here is vehicle, which Florida Statute 316.003(99) defines as every device in, upon, or by which a person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway. “Every device” is a pretty broad definition and means that a golf cart or any other low-speed vehicle would qualify as such. Florida courts have found that even a bicycle would meet the vehicle definition. For a DUI arrest, driving a lawnmower is essentially the same as driving a car or truck. Driving a nontraditional vehicle such as an ATV, lawnmower, or tractor does not make you immune to a DUI investigation or potential arrest.
Additionally, just as a person could be arrested for a DUI while driving a lawnmower, ATV, or dirt bike, they could also face potential license suspension if convicted of that DUI. If a lawnmower is a vehicle for a DUI, the same penalties faced by drivers of traditional vehicles apply. The Florida statute that governs DUIs outlines the potential license suspension for each specific DUI offense. Operating a lawn mower won’t make you immune from a DUI arrest, and it also won’t help you avoid the punishment associated with a DUI.
Meldon Law Will Fight for You
Whether you drive a lawnmower, car, truck, ATV, or even a bicycle, a DUI is a serious offense with severe, life-altering consequences. You could face fines, a license suspension, probation, or even possible jail time, and you need an attorney familiar with the intricacies of DUI cases. If you have been arrested for a DUI, it is critical to know your options and the potential defenses you may have in your specific case.
At Meldon Law, we have the expertise and experience to assist you through every aspect of your DUI case. No matter what you drove at the time of your DUI arrest, you have the same rights, potential defenses, and fileable motions as defendants driving traditional vehicles. The attorneys at Meldon Law are knowledgeable about your rights and are dedicated to defending them – and defending you. If you have been charged with a DUI, call us at for a free consultation. Let us help you get your life back in order.
