Think you know what it takes to get a DWI in Minnesota? Put your knowledge to the test by taking our DWI quiz. In this test, we’re going to ask if you think you can be charged for DWI for operating the following things while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Answers available at the bottom of the quiz!
DWI Quiz
In Minnesota, can you be charged with DWI for operating the following items while under the influence of alcohol or drugs?
1. A car
2. An ATV/UTV
3. A riding lawnmower
4. Skis/Snowboard
5. A pedal bicycle
6. A Segway
7. A horse
8. A motorboat
9. A skateboard
10. A sailboat
11. A golf cart
12. A snowmobile
13. Electric wheelchair
The Answers
Before we dive into the answers, let’s explain how Minnesota decides whether or not something is subjected to the state’s drunk driving laws. Essentially, Minnesota holds that in order to be charged with a DWI, you need to be operating a self-propelled motor vehicle with the main function being transportation. If it is powered by another means or it’s main purpose isnt transportation, odds are you can’t be hit with a DWI charge. So now let’s go back through the questions and provide some answers.
1. Yes, you can get a DWI in a car. This is the most common way that someone is charged with a DWI.
2. Yes, an ATV is a self-propelled motor vehicle with transportation as the main function. It is subjected to DWI laws.
3. Perhaps surprisingly, a riding lawnmower is also subjected to Minnesota DWI laws. You may argue that transportation is not the main function of a lawnmower, and you’re right, so you’re not going to get stopped on your property if you are cutting the grass under the influence. However, if you take the lawnmower on public roads to head to a friend’s house or the grocery store, that would render you eligible for a DWI, since you are using the lawnmower on public property for transportation.
4. Skis or a snowboard are not powered by a motor, so you can’t get a DWI on these objects.
5. The same goes for a pedal bicycle, which is human powered, not engine powered.
6. Although a Segway may technically meet the above criteria, the subject has been argued in the court, and given that a Segway can be used inside buildings and is a low-speed form of electrically-powered transportation, the court has ruled that you can’t be charged with a DWI on a Segway.
7. There is no engine on a horse, so you can’t get a DWI on one, but we don’t recommend drunk horseback riding.
8. Motorboats and jet skis are subjected to the state’s DWI laws.
9. A skateboard is human-powered, so you can’t get a DWI on a skateboard.
10. You cannot get a DWI on a wind-powered sailboat.
11. Yes, you can get a DWI on a golf cart, so don’t overdo it at the golf course.
12. Snowmobiles are like ATVs in that they are subjected to the state’s DWI laws.
13. An electric wheelchair is similar to a Segway in that while it may be electrically powered and aid in transportation, it can go places vehicles can’t and helps with many other tasks besides transportation, so it is not subjected to the state’s DWI laws.
Finally, we just want to note that you can still end up in legal trouble for drunkenly operating something above that isn’t considered a vehicle eligible for DWI charges. You can still face a number of different charges like disorderly conduct, reckless endangerment or a similar charge if your actions put the safety of others at risk.
For more information about Minnesota DWI laws, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
