An odd story of a man who was arrested for drunk driving has been widely discussed. The arrest has prompted many Illinois residents to wonder when a vehicle is or is not considered a motor vehicle. A man was operating a Zamboni while he was intoxicated, but should he be charged with DUI?

The incident occurred last week at a Minnesota hockey rink following a Pee Wee practice game. Sources say that the man looked like he was suffering from allergies and had slurred speech prior to driving the Zamboni onto the ice. A bystander called the police who showed up and charged the man with driving while intoxicated.

In the aftermath of the situation, many have been left wondering if a person can actually be convicted for drinking while driving a non-motorized vehicle. A Zamboni, according to one of the only other cited similar cases, is not a "motor vehicle" based on the fact that it cannot carry passengers or be used on public streets. Because of these distinguishing factors, it is unlikely that the man who has been arrested will be convicted.

There have been other cases that involve people who are intoxicated while driving forms of transportation other than cars. Drivers who are drunk with operating a riding lawn mower can be charged. In the rare situation that a person is drunk while operating a motorized beer cooler or motorized bar stool, they too can be charged. Each of these modes of transportation have been determined to be motor vehicles, therefore a DUI conviction may be possible.

Reports state that Zambonis can only travel at up to 5 miles per hour. The probability that the ice smoothers can speed, careen or perform other reckless acts is quite small. Since there was no real risk posed by a vehicle that only operates on ice, it is unlikely that a charge of DUI will be appropriate.

Typically, the law is quite specific in cases of DUI. For an average drunk driving charge, there are fairly straightforward charges and means of negotiating those charges and sentences. This latest incident, however, is a reminder that there is always room for debate in certain cases.

Source: Forbes, "Do Drunk-Driving Laws Apply to Zamboni Drivers?" Kevin Underhill, Feb. 1, 2012