Central Florida Woman Arrested For DUI In A Golf Cart
According to a report from the Orlando Sentinel, a woman in Central Florida has been arrested and charged with a DUI after being pulled over while driving a golf cart. Law enforcement officers from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) stopped a 58-year-old woman while she was driving a golf cart on Interstate 95. Her speech was reportedly slurred and alcohol was smelled on her breath.
With more than 1,000 golf courses, Florida is one of the top states in the country for golfing. It has the highest rate of golf cart ownership per capita. While it is somewhat unusual, it is possible to get arrested for a DUI on a golf cart. Here, our Orlando DUI defense attorney provides a comprehensive guide to the key things to know about golf carts and intoxicated driving laws in Florida.
Florida DUI Statute: Motor Vehicle is Defined Broadly
Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 316.193), a person can be arrested and charged with a DUI if they are in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence. In most cases, a person is under the influence if their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08 or higher. Though, you can be charged with A DUI with a lower BAC if you are deemed unlawfully impaired (drugged driving).
Notably, the term “vehicle” is defined broadly under Florida law. A golf cart does qualify as a vehicle for the purposes of Florida’s DUI statute. In effect, this means that the same DUI rules that apply to passenger cars also apply to golf carts. It is unlawful to operate a golf cart in Florida while under the influence.
Golf Cart Operators Must Follow the Law When On Public Roads
In Florida, it is possible to be arrested and charged with a DUI even if you are entirely on private property. That being said, a golf cart DUI arrest is generally not going to be an issue on a private golf course. However, Florida law enforcement officers do enforce DUI when golf carts—and other less traditional motor vehicles—are operated on public roads. This is notable because there are a number of different golf cart-friendly communities located in the central part of Florida, including The Villages, the On Top of the World community in Marion County, and the Solivita 55 and older living community in Kissimmee.
The Bottom Line: You can be charged for a DUI on a golf cart in Florida. The law is technically no different than it is for passenger cars. Golf cart operators must take care when on public roads.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a DUI Defense Attorney in Central Florida
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando drunk driving defense lawyer fights tirelessly to protect the rights of our clients. If you or your family member was arrested for a DUI in a golf car or any other type of non-traditional vehicle, we can help. Contact us today to set up your strictly private initial case review. From our Orlando office, our attorney handles DUI cases throughout Central Florida, including in Orange County, Lake County, Osceola County, and Seminole County.
Sources:
orlandosentinel.com/news/florida/os-ne-central-florida-woman-arrested-for-dui-after-driving-golf-cart-on-i-95-20220803-yofttd2ffzex5itfai55egjbde-story.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.193.html