Police believe the mowing was merely an excuse for Welton to have been out and about and say the man lacked a valid driver’s license, having had it revoked previously. Experts say it isn’t uncommon for those with revoked licenses to try and find creative means of getting around, including scooters, bikers or even lawnmowers. The question of whether Welton was working or instead merely trying to find a way to drink and drive without using a car will have to be decided by a judge.
Before setting out for his impaired mowing excursion, Welton should have more carefully examined his state’s drunk driving laws. Colorado laws are similar to the ones in place here in Minnesota and criminalize the drunk driving, operation or physical control of “any motor vehicle.” Court cases have routinely found that “motor vehicle” is a broad enough term to encompass a wide array of transportation options.
Minnesota statutes, (Section 169A.03) specifically defines a “motor vehicle” as being any that is “self-propelled or propelled by electric power.” Only those vehicles that are moved solely by human power are excluded. This broad definition has been applied to scooters, motorcycles, off-road vehicles and even lawnmowers. If Welton had wanted to avoid the drunk driving charges he should have stuck to a bicycle.
Source: “DUI Suspect Pulled Over While Driving Lawnmower,” published at Denver.CBSLocal.com.