Don’t Drink and Drive, Even on a Golf Cart

Indeed, we’ve always admired those upscale Denver neighborhoods that permit residents to cruise around in golf carts. However, have you ever thought about the possibility of getting a DUI on your way back from the clubhouse in one of these miniature vehicles?

As it turns out, alcohol-related driving incidents are not as uncommon in these little buggies as you might think, especially when compared to the infrequent cases of drunk Zamboni driving. Surprisingly, we can speak from personal experience on this matter.

Jake Johnson, an attorney at Thomas Law Firm, previously practiced law in Kansas. During his time there, he was involved in a case where a man was accused by his neighbors of drunkenly cruising around a residential neighborhood in a golf cart. The man’s erratic journey, including toppling up and down the sidewalks, made it clear that he was guilty of driving under the influence. However, in a twist of fate, the jury in that particular case believed that the state was being overly aggressive in its DUI campaign. Consequently, they determined that a golf cart did not qualify as a “motor vehicle,” sparing the man from a DUI conviction for his golf cart escapade.

In contrast, a Texas court had a different perspective. In 2011, three men embarked on a reckless adventure in a golf cart across the grass in a golf cart at a Fort Worth speedway. Their misadventure quickly escalated into a high-speed chase with two police officers, who, oddly enough, were on foot. The men, oblivious that a police officer was pursuing them, mistook him for a “lowly parking attendant” scolding them for driving on the grass. To their surprise, the officer jumped into the back of their cart and charged the driver with a DWI. The driver attempted to appeal, arguing that a golf cart didn’t technically qualify as a “vehicle.” However, the court disagreed, asserting that it did indeed fall under the definition of a vehicle.

Of course, it’s an entirely different scenario if you’ve driven a golf cart into a lake or collided with someone at a carnival. However, the story’s moral is that practically anything can be considered a “vehicle.” So, please don’t assume that choosing a golf cart over a car is a safer choice regarding DUIs. Always remember that the law can view almost anything as a “vehicle,” so make responsible choices behind the wheel, regardless of your mode of transportation.

Do you have further questions or concerns? Call us or contact the attorneys at Thomas & Ahnell, LLC, and we will be happy to help.