VERIFY QUESTION

Driving while impaired (DWI) -- three words that seem self-explanatory. They mean you're doing something very idiotic -- driving drunk -- and are subject to a big fine and jail time. But is the term DWI limited to cars? Does it extend to horses, lawnmowers, ATVs, too? Before you embark on your summer joy rides, let's VERIFY.

VERIFY SOURCE

To VERIFY, we consulted Officer J.B. Price with the Greensboro Police Department's traffic safety unit and referenced the website of Winston-Salem-based law office of J. Scott Smith.

VERIFY PROCESS

Officer Price explained you cannot get a DWI while riding a horse or driving a horse-drawn carriage, but you could get charged with another crime like impeding traffic or trespassing. Section e of the 20-138.1 impaired driving law states e) "not withstanding the definition of 'vehicle' pursuant to G.S. 20-4.01(49) for purposes of this section the word "vehicle" does not include a horse.

The J. Scott Smith website sums it up this way. "I guess the folks in Raleigh feel that the horse is probably not stupid enough to let its rider make it do something it knows better than to do."

So, what about another motor vehicle, like an ATV, scooter or moped? Yes -- you can busted if you drive them while under the influence, if you ride these vehicles on or near a road. If you're driving a motor vehicle on the water you can get a charge of OWI -- operate while impaired.

Price and J. Scott Smith explain under the North Carolina law, revised in 2006, DWI includes bicycles and lawnmowers, too! So yes, you can get charged with DWI for riding your bike and mowing the lawn while intoxicated.

VERIFY CONCLUSION

In conclusion, North Carolina's DWI law expands to many modes of transportation other than a car, just not a horse. That said, if you ride a horse under the influence, you could seriously hurt yourself.