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# Can you get a DUI while riding a horse in South Dakota?
- URL: https://www.sdnewswatch.org/dui-riding-horse-bicycle-south-dakota-gigafact/
- Published: 2025-04-09T11:15:18.000Z
- Updated: 2025-04-09T11:15:18.000Z
- Description: A fact brief on the legal reach of state law on drunken driving.
- Author: Megan Luther
- Tags: Fact briefs

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## No.

There’s a specific South Dakota law that exempts driving under the influence charges for anyone intoxicated while riding an animal, bicycle, tricycle or any non-powered pedal mechanism. 

In 2006, then-Gov. Mike Rounds signed the exemption into law stating a bike or horse is a better alternative than someone drinking and driving home.

Other states still consider a bicycle or horse a vehicle under DUI laws. In 2023, North Dakota reduced the penalty for riding a bike or horse while under the influence to a $200 fine. 

**This fact brief responds to conversations such as* [**this one*](https://ghostarchive.org/archive/EvPov?ref=sdnewswatch.org)**.*

### Sources

South Dakota Codified Law, [32-23-22](https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/32-23-22?ref=sdnewswatch.org)

National Public Radio, [South Dakota drinkers should take bikes or horses home](https://www.npr.org/2006/02/16/5219389/south-dakota-drinkers-should-take-bikes-or-horses-home?ref=sdnewswatch.org) 

North Dakota Legislature, [House Bill 1506](https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/68-2023/regular/documents/23-1065-04000.pdf?ref=sdnewswatch.org)

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