7 Most Ridiculous Reasons for DUI Arrests in Utah

We all know that driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol of over .08% is against the law and will result in a DUI arrest. Still, more than 900,000 people are arrested for drunk driving across the United States each year, with about 7,000 of those arrests occurring right here in Utah. However, what some people don’t realize is that DUI arrests don’t always occur in personal vehicles. In fact, there are some interesting and even ridiculous ways in which some people have managed to get arrested in Utah.

• 1. Riding a Lawn Mower

  Believe it or not, a riding lawn mower counts as a motor vehicle, and people have been arrested for riding these under the influence. That means it’s best not to enjoy a couple of beers before (or while) mowing the lawn, as tempting as it may be.

• 2. Driving an ATV

  All terrain vehicles also fall into the category of motor vehicles that you can’t drive while under the influence. After all, aren’t these vehicles dangerous enough without adding alcohol into the mix?

• 3. Riding a Horse

  Okay, so a horse isn’t a motor vehicle by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s still considered to be a viable form of transportation, especially in a state like Utah. Therefore, you’ll need to stay sober before you climb up on that saddle.

• 4. Cruising on a Bike

  This is yet another form of transportation that doesn’t fall into the “motor vehicle” category but that you still need to be sober in the state of Utah in order to ride. The main reason for this is that bicyclists, by law, need to obey all the same traffic and road laws as cars and motorcycles.

• 5. Driving a Motorized Wheelchair

  This is a tricky one because there’s nothing illegal about having a few drinks while using your motorized wheelchair on your own property. However, if you leave your own property and are under the influence, you could be pulled over and arrested for DUI in the state of Utah, so be sure to sober up before riding up to the store.

• 6. Operating a Zamboni

  This is an interesting one; if you’re a zamboni driver (meaning you resurface ice at hockey and skating arenas), you’d better not be indulging in a few beers from the stands before the big game. Not only is this illegal, but zambonis are huge machines that can be dangerous if not operated carefully.

• 7. Sitting in the Car with Your Keys on You

  Most people don’t know it, but your car doesn’t need to be running in order for you to be arrested for DUI. If you’ve just made it home and have pulled your keys out of the ignition but are still in the driver’s seat, a police officer can still legally apprehend you and arrest you for being under the influence. Best way to avoid this? Never drink and drive.

  If, however, you ever do find yourself in a situation where you’ve been arrested and charged with a DUI, be sure to turn to the professionals at Schmidt Law for the legal advice and representation you need every step of the way.