OUI in Maine
1-800-860-1460
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OUI in Maine 1-800-860-1460 |
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OUI in
It’s Not Just About Cars... OUI laws apply to any motor vehicles, including tractors, ATV’s snowmobiles, motorboats, motorcycles, and riding lawn-mowers. Or Actually Going Anywhere… Any action which can be interpreted as “attempting to operate” a motor vehicle while intoxicated is enough to be charged with OUI. Some Related OUI Legal Terms and Definitions Attempting to Operate – This can mean sitting on a tractor seat, getting into the driver’s side of a car, unmooring a boat, or any of many actions that convey an intent to begin using a motorized vehicle. Legal Limit – There is no “legal limit.” A blood alcohol level of .08% or more is automatically illegal - but the state only needs to prove that the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle was impaired due to the use of intoxicants. Field Sobriety Tests – These are tasks an officer can ask a driver to do that may reveal mental or physical impairment, such as counting backwards or walking a straight line. Immediate Arrest - An officer may make an immediate arrest without running a field test if it appears the driver is operating impaired. Vehicle - Any self-propelled vehicle not on tracks. Legal Stops – Police may stop a motor vehicle for infractions, safety concerns, or if there is reason to think that a crime or motor vehicle law violation has occurred. These can range from erratic driving, to expired inspection stickers, defective lights, or not using seat belts. Improper Stop - A traffic stop for which the officer cannot cite a safety issue, traffic law, or suspicion of criminal activity as reason. HGN - The Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test is most often used as a field test for drug impairment, measured by the driver’s ability to follow the movement of a pen or light. These definitions cover only some of To understand how to handle your particular situation, consult an attorney. For Referral to a
1-800-860-1460 or
© MSBA 2010
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