Don't drive your tractor while drunk...OR your mower

[stuckmotor]

Ohio, Ohio, Ohio! Now I remember!!!
It must have been in 1963 or 64 when our PE teacher showed us a shocker type safety film. I remember the title as, "Mechanized Death", there were screams, blood, and bodies and it was produced in co-operation with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Mechanized Death: Legendary Driving Safety Film | Watch Free Documentary Online
Seeing as how I remember it, after all these years, I guess it did it's job.
Stuck

 

[dave1949]

Ohio, Ohio, Ohio! Now I remember!!!
It must have been in 1963 or 64 when our PE teacher showed us a shocker type safety film. I remember the title as, "Mechanized Death", there were screams, blood, and bodies and it was produced in co-operation with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Mechanized Death: Legendary Driving Safety Film | Watch Free Documentary Online
Seeing as how I remember it, after all these years, I guess it did it's job.
Stuck

"Signal 30" was another popular scare'em driving movie in Ohio that was shown to high school assemblies. About that same time era.

The Ohio HP doesn't seem to patrol for speeding like they used to, at least it seems that way when I visit home. NY does heavy enforcement on the I-90 Thruway. On some trips they are so thick you don't even think about speeding.

 

[Tig]

Our village idiot served time for a DUI on a riding mower on private property. It was at night. He created a scene and subsequently received a summons. The police did not witness a thing. He was convicted of impaired based on eyewitness testimony.
We have two charges, blood alcohol .08 and also impaired, which is a judgement call.
Impaired is a criminal offense, so it's conceivable that police enter your property to deal with obvious alcohol consumption and drunken behavior while mowing your lawn.

 

[stuckmotor]

I remember seeing "Mecanized Death", and hearing my classmates talk about sneaking into the drive-in to see "Blood Feast", at aound the same time. I guess I was going through blood and guts phase.

 

[stuckmotor]

Our village idiot served time for a DUI on a riding mower on private property.

Some goof flamed a new member in a forum, the other day. The next commenter began with, "I see you've already met the "village idiot"... I was surprised when the idiot straightened up and acted like a decent person.

 

[buickanddeere]

yeah on the road. you can get a dui for riding a bike on the road. you can drink as much as you want on your own property. I prefer to mow at night while throwing baqck a few drinks.

Not around here. People have been busted and lost thier road license for drinking in plain view while mowing the lawn. Cops had probably cause, walked onto private property and the dude failed the breathalizer test.

 

[howie70]

I never heard of ANY law prohibiting any drunken lawn mowing on private property in ANY state. I just asked my uncle too who is a cop. HE couldn't find and code. So please list the code if you indeed think there is a law against it instead of saying "you can be arrested". This is America and unless you are creating a hazard to someone innocent then it is perfectly fine. If you want to crash your tractor because your drunk on your own property, that is your own issue. If you want to shoot apples off your own head when your drunk with a revolver that is ok too. This isn't **** Germany where the government sets rules for your own being. Sorry for the rant but some people seem to be making there own dillusional rules

From the time I was about 20 til now (42) I personally know 3 people who have received a DUI on private property. The law NEVER saw their vehicle on a public road. And all 3 held up in court. Just because it is your (or mine) private property does not mean it is exempt from the law. Build a moonshine still in your front yard and see how long it takes ol law dog to pay you a visit.

 

[timster2]

So sitting in my powered wheelchair sipping a beer on the porch can get me a DWI, good to know!

 

[Tig]

Well 30 years later our VI is still adding to his list of convictions and charges for crimes against people and property. He is a substance abuse vetran who most recently plead down his latest activity to simple assault on a woman.

Back on topic. Our criminal offense is "operating a motor vehicle while impaired". Since it's a criminal offense rather than a traffic offense, you can be charged for operating any motorized vehicle in any location while impaired by any substance.
Drunk on a simple bicycle is not covered by this law since there is no motor involved.

 

[3930dave]

So sitting in my powered wheelchair sipping a beer on the porch can get me a DWI, good to know!

Ebikes are often referred to as "DUI bikes", as something like 60% of the adult riders around here have their license suspended.

You raise the point about what is considered "motorized" - will vary by jurisdiction, and with the slowly rising presence of fully electric 2 and 4 wheel vehicles, will probably drive legislation changes.

Here, Care and Control means that if you are IN the vehicle WITH the keys AND are impaired, then you will be charged. Being in the driver's seat, and actively driving are not a requirement for charges (meaning sole occupant). If you choose to sleep one off in your vehicle here, you sure as **** better not have the keys with you.

Canada is usually ahead of most of the USA in this respect - "Private" mostly just means that the gubmint has the correct address to send the Property Tax bill to.

To be clear (re. the last sentence) I have no interest in seeing anybody driving impaired, public property or otherwise.

Rgds, D.