Sonoma County Man Riding Lawnmower Arrested For DUI
KENWOOD (BCN) -- A Kenwood man riding a lawn mower was arrested for DUI Saturday night after leaving a market, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A CHP officer stopped 55-year-old John Poshepny around 7:50 p.m. when he left the parking lot of the Kenwood Market, located at 8910 Sonoma Highway, and drove south on Green Street, CHP Officer Jon Sloat said.
The mower did not have lights and was difficult to see, Sloat said.
Poshepny, who lives within two blocks of the market, told the CHP officer he occasionally uses the mower to drive to the store to get groceries, Sloat said.
Poshepny had a brown bottle in a brown paper bag, and the CHP officer smelled alcohol on his breath, Sloat said.
Poshepny also slurred his speech and staggered, Sloat said. He was arrested for misdemeanor DUI, taken to the Sonoma County jail, cited and released, Sloat said.
Sloat said DUI laws apply to all motorized vehicles and bicycles driving on the roadway.
If a motorized mower is used as a vehicle on a public roadway, a driver's license and registration are required.
Poshepny has a valid driver's license and no previous DUI arrests, Sloat said.
If a sober gardener is just mowing grass door-to-door, the mower is allowed on the road, Sloat said.
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