Is riding a horse while drunk legal in Montana?

The Associated Press

HELENA, — A Montana Department of Transportation public safety video that features a horse picking up a rider at a bar and intended as a metaphor to encourage drinkers to get a ride home is being taken literally in a state well known for its horse culture.

Helena Police Chief Troy McGee says he's received many calls from residents wanting to know if riding a horse while under the influence is legal.

McGee tells the Independent Record it is.

Montana law carefully defines a vehicle, and excludes those running under animal power.

The popular 30-second video titled "Sober Friend" shows a savvy horse carefully obeying traffic laws on a nighttime journey through town before stopping in front of a bar to pick up a rider.

McGee notes it's legal to ride a horse within the city limits of Helena, the state's capital.

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HELENA, — A Montana Department of Transportation public safety video that features a horse picking up a rider at a bar and intended as a metaphor to encourage drinkers to get a ride home is being taken literally in a state well known for its horse culture.

Helena Police Chief Troy McGee says he's received many calls from residents wanting to know if riding a horse while under the influence is legal.

McGee tells the Independent Record it is.

Montana law carefully defines a vehicle, and excludes those running under animal power.

The popular 30-second video titled "Sober Friend" shows a savvy horse carefully obeying traffic laws on a nighttime journey through town before stopping in front of a bar to pick up a rider.

McGee notes it's legal to ride a horse within the city limits of Helena, the state's capital.

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