A Deep Dive into the DUI in a toy vehicle

In a recent viral video, an Indiana man finds himself in an unusual predicament: being arrested for DUI in a toy vehicle, which is powered by batteries. 

The video, which features a trooper pulling over the man due to the toy’s low visibility on the road, has sparked a fascinating discussion about the legalities of DUIs and the definition of a “vehicle.”

The Unexpected Encounter

The video starts with a seemingly ordinary scene: a state trooper pulls over a man. However, the man is not in a traditional vehicle but in a Power Wheels Jeep, a battery-powered children’s toy. The trooper pulled him over due to the difficulty of spotting the tiny toy vehicle on the road.

The trooper promptly asks if the man has consumed any alcohol, to which the man responds with a firm “No, sir.” 

Despite his denial, the trooper proceeds to arrest him for a DUI in a toy vehicle, stating, “You’re being placed under arrest.” 

The man’s response, “Are you kidding me?” echoes the surprise many viewers likely felt.

Lawyer Ugo Lord Weighs In

Adding depth to the discussion is Attorney Ugo Lord, who provides a legal perspective on the unexpected incident. Lord explains a felony charged the man due to intoxicated driving. 

This means that even if the vehicle in question is a Power Wheels toy, the DUI laws still apply.

Lord explains that the law doesn’t distinguish between a “vehicle” and a “motor vehicle.” The term “vehicle” means any type of transportation that gets you from point A to point B. 

“This includes a bicycle, a scooter, and even a Power Wheels toy.” he adds. 

As the man was using the toy to travel on the road, his arrest was justifiable.

Related Legal Research and Implications

Supporting Lord’s interpretation are laws and definitions from various jurisdictions, including California. According to California law, a driver is “under the influence” if their abilities are impaired by a substance to the point that they cannot safely operate a vehicle. In the video, this 51-year-old driver has clearly shown signs of impairment as he failed to field the sobriety tests. 

Also, the law does not differentiate between the types of substances, whether they were obtained legally or illegally.

Under California’s Vehicle Code section 23152, it is illegal for a person under the influence of any alcoholic beverage, drug, or a combination of the two to drive a vehicle. The law applies to any self-propelled transportation or conveyance, which would include a battery-operated Power Wheels toy.

Conclusion

The video is a powerful reminder that seemingly innocent actions can have serious legal repercussions. And even seemingly innocent actions can have major legal consequences. Therefore, knowing the law well and being mindful of its effects are necessary to maintain this delicate balance.

As for the man in the video, his Power Wheels Jeep journey, though unconventional, offers a valuable lesson on the wide reach of DUI laws.