Yes, in some states like Florida and Kentucky, you can get a DUI for riding a horse. This depends on how each state defines the word “vehicle.” If the law uses a broad meaning that includes things without motors like horses then a person can be charged with a DUI while riding one.
Can You Get a DUI on a Horse?
Some states treat a horse like any other vehicle when a person is drunk. For example, Florida’s law says if you ride a horse on a public road while your blood alcohol is over the legal limit, you can be charged with a DUI. A Florida lawyer explained it clearly: if you ride your horse on a road and you’re under the influence, you can be charged with DUI on a horse. In other words, Florida police would treat you much like a drunk driver.
Florida isn’t alone. Kentucky also has strict rules about this. Kentucky law counts a horse as a “non-motorized vehicle” on the road. That means you cannot ride a horse while drunk there. In fact, police in Kentucky once arrested a man who had been drinking and was riding his horse. His blood alcohol was double the legal limit, and deputies charged him with DUI.
California is another place where a drunk horse rider can be in trouble. California’s Vehicle Code is very broad, and it even says animals can count as vehicles. In one famous case, a man rode his horse onto the 91 Freeway in Long Beach after drinking. He failed a breath test and was booked on suspicion of “DUI on a horse”. This shows that California can treat a horse rider the same as a car driver when alcohol is involved.
Other states can do this too. The key idea is: in states like Florida, Kentucky, and California, riding a horse drunk on a public road can get you a DUI charge.
DUI on a Horse: State Law Comparison
The legal outcome depends on whether the state’s DUI statute defines a horse as a “vehicle” or applies the DUI law to “any person” operating a means of conveyance.
| Category | States (Examples) | Why or How the Law Works | Other Possible Charges (if not DUI) |
| DUI Applies (Broad “Vehicle” or “Conveyance”) | Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Virginia | These states have laws that use the word “vehicle” in a broad way. This can include things that are not motorized, like horses. Some even have a special law for riding an animal or non-motor vehicle while drunk. | N/A – DUI is the main charge. |
| DUI Can Apply (Case-by-Case) | California, Texas, North Carolina | These states sometimes treat horse riders like car drivers. Their laws give riders the same rights and duties as drivers. Police can charge a DUI, but sometimes it is reduced to a lesser charge. | Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, Reckless Behavior |
| DUI Does NOT Apply (Strict “Motor Vehicle”) | Oregon, Montana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Utah | These states only use the term “motor vehicle” in their DUI laws. Courts in these places say a horse is an animal, not a machine or a vehicle, so DUI laws do not apply. | Public Intoxication, Disorderly Conduct, Animal Cruelty, Reckless Endangerment |
| Unclear or No Clear Example | Most other U.S. states | Many states only mention “motor vehicles” in their laws, but sometimes other cases (like bicycles or scooters) are used as examples. The result can depend on the local police, the judge, and the situation. | Public Intoxication or Disorderly Conduct are the most common charges. |
Key Takeaways & Nuances
The Meaning of “Vehicle” Matters Most
The word “vehicle” is very important. In some states, the law says “motor vehicle,” like in Michigan or Minnesota. That means cars or trucks only, not horses. So, getting a DUI on a horse there is not likely.
But if a state’s law says “vehicle” or “conveyance,” like in Kentucky or Virginia, it’s different. That wording can include horses. In those places, you can get a DUI while riding a horse.
The Special Case of Florida
Florida is often listed as a state where you can get a DUI on a horse. But some older court cases have disagreed about this rule. Even so, police officers in Florida often still arrest people who ride horses while drunk. They use the state’s broad law to make the arrest.
Other Charges Still Apply
Even if a state does not give a DUI for riding a horse, you can still get in trouble. No state allows people to ride a horse drunk on a public road without consequences. Police can charge you with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, or even animal cruelty if the horse is put in danger.
Horse-Drawn Carriages
If you drive a horse-drawn carriage, buggy, or wagon while drunk, it is usually illegal. Many states count these as vehicles because they have wheels. That means you can get a DUI or DWI for driving a horse-drawn vehicle while intoxicated.
Example Stories
- Florida chase: September 26, 2012 – A man rode his horse through a town drunk. Police chased him for 30 minutes before catching him. He was arrested after being found drunk on his horse.
- Kentucky rider: September 20, 2012 – A Kentucky man was riding his horse after drinking. His blood alcohol was twice the legal limit, and police charged him with DUI.
- California freeway: February 25, 2018 – In California, a man rode his horse on the freeway drunk. He failed a breath test and was booked for “DUI on a horse”.
States Where Horse DUI Is Not Allowed
Some states say no. They do not count a horse as a vehicle, so DUI laws do not apply. For example, in Oregon the law specifically excludes horses: you cannot get a DUI on a horse there. Montana is similar: its laws carefully define “vehicle” and leave out those powered by animals. A Montana official even said, “you can ride your horse after drinking,” so it is not illegal.
Even if a state doesn’t use DUI laws for horses, riding drunk can still cause trouble. Many states will charge a horse rider with something else, like public intoxication or reckless behavior. In other words, you could still face charges even if it’s not called a DUI.
What This Means
So, can you get a DUI or DWI on a horse? It comes down to where you are. If someone searches “can you get a DWI on a horse?” or “can you get DUI on horse?”, it’s the same question as “can you get a DUI on a horse?” People even ask “can you get a DUO on a horse?” (that’s just a typo for DUI). In states like Florida and Kentucky, the answer is yes – you can get a DUI on a horse. In places like Oregon or Montana, the answer is no.
In any case, it’s best to be careful. Riding a horse while drunk is unsafe for you and the horse, and could get you in trouble with the law even if it’s not called a DUI.
