Quick answer (updated October 2026)
You cannot be charged with drink driving for riding a horse in the UK, because drink-drive laws only apply to motor vehicles. But in England and Wales it is still a criminal offence to be drunk in charge of a horse on a road or in a public place, under section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872. Riding drunk is also dangerous for you, your horse and other road users, so the simple advice is: if you have been drinking, don’t ride.
Do drink-driving laws apply to horses?
No. In the UK, drink-driving offences are set out in the Road Traffic Act 1988 and apply to people driving or in charge of a mechanically propelled vehicle, such as a car, van or motorbike. A horse is not a vehicle, so you cannot get a drink-driving conviction, points on your licence or a driving ban for riding a horse after drinking.
That does not mean riding drunk is legal.
The law: drunk in charge of a horse
In England and Wales, section 12 of the Licensing Act 1872 makes it an offence to be drunk while in charge of a carriage, horse, cattle or steam engine on a highway or other public place. Despite its age, the law is still in force.
A few things to know about this offence:
- It applies whether you are riding the horse or leading it.
- It covers roads and other public places, such as bridleways and village greens.
- There is no set alcohol limit. The question is whether you are drunk, which the police and court decide from your behaviour and condition.
- The penalty is a fine, and the law also allows for a short prison sentence.
The 1872 Act does not apply in Scotland, which has its own laws on drunkenness in public. Wherever you are in the UK, riding drunk could also lead to other charges, such as being drunk and disorderly, especially if you cause an accident or put other people at risk.
Can you drive a horse and carriage drunk?
The same section 12 offence covers being drunk in charge of a carriage, so driving a horse-drawn carriage or cart on the road while drunk is also an offence in England and Wales.
Why riding drunk is a bad idea
Even a small amount of alcohol slows your reactions, affects your balance and makes it harder to judge risks. On a horse, that matters:
- Horses can spook at traffic, dogs or bikes, and you need quick reactions to stay on and stay safe.
- A fall from a horse can cause serious head and spinal injuries, even when wearing a hat.
- Your horse relies on clear, calm signals from you, and alcohol makes your aids less reliable.
- Your insurance may not cover you if you were riding under the influence of alcohol. Check your policy.
The British Horse Society’s road safety advice is a good guide for anyone riding on the roads. Riding sober, wearing hi-vis and following the Highway Code’s rules for horse riders all help to keep you and your horse safe.
Frequently asked questions
Can you get a DUI on a horse in the UK?
Not a drink-driving conviction, because those laws only cover motor vehicles. But in England and Wales you can be prosecuted for being drunk in charge of a horse under the Licensing Act 1872.
Is it illegal to ride a horse drunk?
In England and Wales, yes, if you are drunk while in charge of a horse on a road or in a public place. On private land it is not covered by this law, but it is still unsafe.
Can you lose your driving licence for riding a horse drunk?
No. Riding a horse is not driving a motor vehicle, so it does not lead to points or a driving ban. The penalty for being drunk in charge of a horse is a fine, and in more serious cases a short prison sentence is possible.
Is there an alcohol limit for riding a horse?
No. Unlike drink driving, there is no legal alcohol limit. The offence is being drunk, so the safest choice is not to ride at all after drinking.
Learn to ride safely
If you are new to riding or want to build your confidence on the roads, lessons with a qualified instructor are the best place to start. Search our directory of UK riding schools and equestrian centres to find one near you.
This article is general information, not legal advice. If you are facing a charge, speak to a solicitor.
