Although most people arrested for DUI in Michigan are driving a car or truck, sometimes they are behind the wheel of a more unusual vehicle.
For example, a Bloomfield Hills man was arrested recently for riding his lawn tractor while intoxicated. Bloomfield Township police stopped the 47-year-old Navy veteran in the parking lot of a drugstore along a busy road, according to USA Today.
Officers spotted the lawnmower parked outside the pharmacy, then pulled the man over as he climbed on it and took off. His blood-alcohol level was 0.10, higher than Michigan’s legal limit of 0.08.
The man pleaded guilty to drunken driving, his third offense, in Oakland County Circuit Court, the newspaper reported.
Under Michigan law, it makes no difference whether you are driving a Jaguar or a John Deere lawnmower. If you are operating it while legally impaired, you could be facing jail time, fines and loss of your driver’s license.
You can also have your vehicle impounded – as happened to the Bloomfield Hills man, who had to pay a $200 towing fee to get his lawnmower back.
Michigan Allows DUI Arrests in Parking Lots
Michigan is one of several states that allow drunk-driving charges if a person is operating a motorized vehicle on a highway or other place accessible to the public.
Michigan’s drunk driving laws are complex. Unfortunately, not understanding the law is no defense to a DUI charge.
Your best strategy is to get legal help. A qualified Michigan DUI lawyer will be able to outline your legal options and explore ways to get the charges reduced or dismissed.
Source: USA Today http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/04/11/lawn-mower-drunk-driver/2074543/