Can You Get A DUI On A Riding Mower?

Getting pulled over for drunk driving while riding your lawn mower might sound strange, but the reality is no laughing matter. In most U.S. states, you can absolutely be charged with a DUI (driving under the influence) while operating a lawn mower just as easily as you can get a DUI on an electric scooter. DUI laws are broader than many people realize, and they apply to more than highways or busy roads. Driving any motorized vehicle while over the legal alcohol limit can land you in serious trouble.

Someone could assume that if they're just puttering down the road or crossing between properties, it's harmless — but the law doesn't work that way. In states like Indiana, Arizona, and New York, cases have been recorded where people faced fines, jail time, or even felony charges for operating a lawn mower while under the influence. Lawn mowers might be slow, but they're still a motorized vehicle in the eyes of the law.

The DUI laws involving lawn mowers can be as confusing as those for self-driving cars. However, it's important to know that riding mowers fall under a broad legal definition of what counts as a vehicle. As long as a vehicle is self-propelled and can be used to transport a person, it qualifies. That means if you're driving one on public roads, sidewalks, or any area accessible to the public — even parts of your yard that face the street — you could be subject to DUI laws. In Arizona, for example, mowing your lawn while intoxicated can still lead to a DUI if your property is considered publicly accessible. If your lawn lacks a fence, gate, or clear boundary and is easily accessible, it may fall under what counts as a "public highway" under local DUI laws.

It doesn't take much to draw attention, either. Officers typically watch for erratic driving, slurred speech, or signs of impairment — even if you're not behind the wheel of a car. If you're stopped, refusing or failing a breath test can quickly lead to an arrest. Convictions come with real consequences like license suspension, fines, probation, and sometimes even mandatory alcohol education classes. First-time offenses can result in up to six months in jail and a suspended license for a year.

Believe it or not, DUI cases involving lawn mowers happen more often than you'd think. One man in California was caught driving his mower two blocks from home while intoxicated. In New York, a man was arrested for riding his mower with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.10%. It was a repeat offense, which is why it wasn't taken lightly. 

Courts across the country have also handed out DUI charges for people driving golf carts, scooters, and even bicycles while drunk, so a lawn mower is no exception. In fact, many of these cases catch people off guard. 

Drivers often assume that going slow or staying off main roads will keep them out of trouble — but you don't need to be speeding to get pulled over. Even just a suspicion of impairment is enough for officers to investigate. What's more, depending on the state, repeat mower DUIs can escalate quickly. Some states enforce harsher sentencing with each offense, including felony charges and mandatory ignition interlock devices, even for non-traditional vehicles. Whether you're moving from one yard to another or cruising down a quiet back road, if you're impaired, it still counts, which is why driving under the influence is one lawn mower mistake you should always avoid.