In Massachusetts, you generally cannot get a DUI for riding a horse while intoxicated. Massachusetts laws are specific to motor vehicles. State-by-State Breakdown, and Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 90, section 24 governs motor vehicle related criminal offenses Chapter 90.
The key distinction is that Massachusetts DUI statutes focus specifically on “motor vehicles” rather than all types of vehicles. Since a horse is not a motor vehicle, the traditional DUI laws don’t apply to horseback riding.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re completely free from legal consequences if you ride a horse while drunk in Massachusetts. You could potentially face other charges such as:
Public intoxication
Disorderly conduct
Animal endangerment (if your intoxication puts the horse at risk)
Obstruction of traffic if you’re riding on public roads
It’s worth noting that prosecutors may attempt to argue that a horse is a “vehicle” under a broader interpretation of the law, potentially leading to DUI charges for intoxicated horseback riders Can You Get a DUI on a Horse? Our Surprising Answer – 2024 Edition – Torrone Law, though this would be unusual given Massachusetts’ specific focus on motor vehicles in its DUI statutes.
So while a traditional DUI charge would be unlikely, riding a horse while intoxicated could still result in other legal troubles and safety risks for both you and the animal.
