A Mississippi man faces charges of driving under the influence after attempting to use his all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in order to tow his truck off of a highway. The young adult was driving his truck--which was hauling an ATV on a trailer--on the highway when the truck ran out of gas. The driver then attempted to use the ATV to try to pull the truck off the road, but another car collided with the trailer during this process. While no injuries were sustained in the accident, the driver faces a DUI charge.

If you've been charged with driving under the influence while operating an all-terrain vehicle in Washington state, DUI defense attorney Steve Karimi can help you fight your charge.

Washington DUI Laws

Washington's DUI statute makes it illegal for a person to drive under the influence of intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any drug if the person drives a vehicle:

• With a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher;
• If the person has a THC concentration of 5.00 or higher;
• While the person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor, marijuana, or any other drug; or
• While the person is under the combined influence of any of the above.

A person who is charged with DUI in Washington state faces a gross misdemeanor charge. Conviction of this charge can subject a person to up to a year in jail along with a fine of $5,000.00. In addition to these criminal penalties, a person who is convicted will face a suspension of his or her driving privileges.

DUI on an ATV in Washington State

As the above Washington law defines a motor vehicle as a vehicle that is self-propelled. The statute specifically states what is not considered a vehicle under the law, which includes a mobility scooter, a power wheelchair, and, in some instances, a golf cart.

ATVs are not listed in this statute; this means that you could likely be arrested for DUI if you were caught riding an all-terrain vehicle on a public roadway while intoxicated can result in a charge of driving under the influence. It is a misdemeanor to operate an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Other ATV Charges

DUI isn't the only charge that you can face if caught riding an ATV or off-road vehicle on the road--unless the ATV is equipped with seatbelts and roll bars, or unless the vehicle has an enclosed passenger compartment, Washington law prohibits a person from driving an off-road vehicle on the road without a motorcycle helmet, so you could also face traffic infractions if you were caught driving under the influence and were not following these rules.

Charged with DUI in Washington State? Contact Steve Karimi ASAP

If you're facing a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the Seattle area, it's critical to seek representation from a seasoned DUI defense attorney who knows the ins and outs of DUI law in the state. Equipped with experience as a former prosecutor, Steve Karimi knows firsthand the strategies that will be used to try to prove your guilt and is dedicated to fighting on your behalf to obtain the best possible outcome for your charge. Don't try to fight your DUI charge on your own--to speak with a member of our legal team about your charge, fill out an online case evaluation form or call (206) 621-8777 today.