DUIs Aren’t Just for Cars

02/03/2017

Most people associate DUIs with motor vehicles. This makes sense, when you consider there were more than 90,000 impaired driving incidents in 2011 alone. What you may not realize is that you don’t have to be driving a car to get charged with a drunken driving offence. The drunken driving law applies to many other types of vehicles, including:

• All-terrain vehicles
• Snowmobiles
• Dirt bikes
• Go-carts
• Boats
• Airplanes
• Jet-skis

An individual can even be charged with drunk driving in certain types of railway vehicles. Obviously, you can also be charged with a drunken driving offence while driving a motorcycle. Many people like to enjoy alcohol while using certain kinds of vehicles. Many times, seasonal vehicles, such as snowmobiles and boats, are popular items during parties and get-togethers. When you mix alcohol and recreational vehicles, however, people can get seriously hurt.

Unfortunately, many people don’t take drinking as seriously when using an ATV, Jet Ski, or fishing boat. When a driver is intoxicated, however, these vehicles can be just as dangerous as a car or truck. Under the law, the police can charge you with a DUI under section 253(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada. These charges are just as serious as a DUI charge for a typical motor vehicle. Refusing to provide a breath sample can also carry the same penalties as impaired driving.