If you drive a boat, bike or even an off-road vehicle while drunk, you could face criminal charges.
Over the past twenty to thirty years, public information campaigns have made sure that every American is aware of the dangers of drunk driving. Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered a serious offense, with the potential for steep penalties — even including a stint in jail. But can you get charged with a DUI if you are driving something other than a car?
The short answer to this question is yes. Depending on what exactly you are operating, the penalties for “driving drunk” when you are controlling something other than a car are truck can be relatively minor or quite serious. Even if you believe that you shouldn’t be charged with a crime for operating a particular type of vehicle while under the influence and alcohol or drugs, the police may disagree — and charge you with a crime for doing so.
For example, the California Vehicle Code prohibits riding a bike while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This means that if you are stopped while riding your bicycle and the police believe that you are under the influence, you could be charged with a misdemeanor offense. However, unlike a DUI involving a car, truck or other vehicle, a DUI for riding a bicycle will not result in potential jail time. Instead, you will likely pay a fine of up to $250. If you are under the age of 21, your license may be suspended for violating California’s zero tolerance law.
You could also face charges for operating vehicles that are gas or battery powered while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes all types of off road vehicles, such as dirt bikes, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), dune buggies and even golf carts. If you are caught operating any of these off-road vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs — with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, or if you are too impaired to drive with the care and caution of a reasonable sober person — then you could be charged with a DUI, just like you would be if you were driving a car, truck or SUV.
Finally, boating under the influence is also a criminal offense. If you operate a boat while you are drunk or high, then you could be arrested — and face consequences including up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If you hurt someone while boating under the influence, you may face additional fines and penalties.
If you have been arrested for a DUI involving a car, truck, bicycle, commercial vehicle, off-road vehicle or a boat, you will need an experienced DUI lawyer. In Tustin, CA, the Chambers Law Firm can assist clients who have been charged with any type of DUI offense. We will fight for your rights and for your freedom, putting our skills and knowledge to work to aggressively defend you against the charges. Contact our office today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help you.
