Ohio DUI – What Is “Operating a Vehicle”
In order to be convicted of an Ohio DUI offense, not only must you have blood levels above legal limits for alcohol or drugs, but you also must be “operating” a “motor vehicle.” In order to better understand what this entails, you need to know how to define these two terms correctly. What Is a Vehicle? Unde Ohio Revised Code Section 4511.01 , a vehicle is anything motorized that has the goal of transporting or drawing someone on a highway. The only motorized vehicle that is not considered a “vehicle” by this definition is a motorized wheelchair or similar personal assistive device, including a personal delivery device or “micro-mobility device.” Under this law, smaller vehicles, such as motorized bikes and golf carts, fit in the definition. You can also be convicted of a DUI, also known as an OVI (operating a vehicle impaired), if you are operating a boat or ATV. Thus, if you are under the influence, opting to take a motorized bike or golf cart is not safer or in line with the law