Which type of transportation is exempt from DWI laws in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, DWI laws specifically apply to the operation of motor vehicles that are defined under the law. However, when it comes to transportation methods like riding a horse, the law does not classify it as a motor vehicle, and therefore, individuals are not subject to DWI laws when riding a horse on public roads. This means that while a person may still face other legal consequences for being in an unsafe condition while riding a horse, they do not fall under the provisions related to driving while impaired, which are intended for motorized vehicles.

Understanding the distinction that DWI laws primarily target the operation of motor vehicles helps clarify why other transportation forms, such as bicycles, scooters, and motor vehicles themselves, are indeed covered under these laws. Hence, when considering the law's application, the exemption for horses is particularly notable and aligns with the historical context of regulations regarding pedestrian and non-motorized forms of transportation.