{"id":354114,"date":"2025-06-25T12:30:20","date_gmt":"2025-06-25T17:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=354114"},"modified":"2026-03-30T18:30:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T23:30:33","slug":"can-you-get-a-dui-on-a-horse","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/charges\/can-you-get-a-dui-on-a-horse.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Get a DUI On a Horse?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can You Get a DUI On a Horse?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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DUI on a horse is possible in certain states that broadly define “vehicle” under their DUI laws, allowing for charges against individuals riding horses while intoxicated. Interpretation varies by state, with some explicitly including non-motorized forms of transport under DUI statutes, and others focusing solely on motor vehicles. Penalties can resemble those of traditional DUIs, or a person can face related charges such as public intoxication. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

It may sound like something that could only happen in the movies. However, you may be surprised how many times the police arrest people on horseback for drunk driving<\/a>. But can law enforcement actually charge someone riding a horse with a DUI?<\/p>\n

The short answer is yes. In some states, they can.<\/p>\n

Here, we’ll discuss whether the police can arrest you for drunk driving<\/a> while on a horse. We will explain which states have horse DUI statutes and how other jurisdictions handle this offense. Finally, we’ll discuss how the courts in various states approach this type of case.<\/p>\n

If you’re facing charges for DUI on a horse or motor vehicle, consult with a DUI attorney<\/a> right away. They can help to protect your rights and build a stronger defense.<\/p>\n

Is a Horse a “Vehicle” Under DUI Laws?<\/h2>\n

It depends on the state’s legal definitions. To determine whether it’s illegal to ride a horse after drinking alcohol, first we have to understand how the courts define the term “vehicle.” Drunk driving<\/a> laws almost always reference a person driving a motor<\/em> vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any other mind-altering substance.<\/p>\n

There have been thousands of DUI cases involving people on ATVs<\/a>, scooters, riding lawnmowers, and other modes of transportation<\/a>. Criminal liability in these cases typically depends on whether the vehicle has a motor (hence the term motor<\/em> vehicle).<\/p>\n

However, some states have broader definitions of driving under the influence. They might just reference “vehicles,” for example. Generally, when it comes to interpreting DUI statutes<\/a>, courts look to the statute’s plain language.<\/p>\n

So, if a person drinks alcohol and then saddles up their horse, are they operating a vehicle while intoxicated?<\/p>\n

In some states, the answer to this question is yes. In most others, the answer is less clear. The sections below will discuss how the various states approach this question.<\/p>\n

Which States Have Horse DUI Laws?<\/h2>\n

Not every state’s DUI laws apply to nontraditional modes of transportation. For example, the DUI statutes do not mention horses in states like Louisiana and Michigan. The courts in some jurisdictions have held that law enforcement cannot arrest a horseback rider for DUI.<\/p>\n

California<\/a> grants the same rights and duties to any person riding or driving an animal on a roadway as to other drivers. The California Highway Patrol has arrested people on horseback for DUI<\/a>. However, in most cases, it’s more likely a rider will face a public intoxication charge.<\/p>\n

Authorities in Florida<\/a> have also brought DUI charges in cases where the defendant was on horseback under the state’s broad definition of “vehicles.”<\/a><\/p>\n

Kentucky has a separate DUI statute<\/a> for vehicles that are “not a motor vehicle,” and has brought charges against people for drunk horse riding.<\/p>\n

Other states that might allow a DUI charge against someone riding a horse include:<\/p>\n