Man Booked For Not Having a Hands-Free Device Fitted to His Horse
- Feb 1, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 25, 2020
This week a 30 year old man has appeared in Mudgee Local Court after being seen by Police using a mobile phone whilst riding a horse in Tambaroora on 19 October 2019 at approximately 11:08 a.m, it has been reported.
Magistrate David Day reportedly told the Defendant “Under the road rules a horse is a vehicle…and he didn’t have a hands-free device fitted to the horse”.
Vizzone Ruggero Twigg Lawyers Criminal Law Partner John Vizzone explains that under New South Wales law horses are treated like motor vehicles.
“Horses for all intents and purposes are exactly the same as cars and motorbikes once they are on the road. Therefore riders are required to obey to all the usual road rules such as drink driving laws and the new mobile phone rules even if it seems impractical to fit a cradle device to your horse” said John Vizzone.
“Equestrian riders or horse racing track riders should consider alternatives if they have to take calls such as bluetooth head phone speakers or Airpods”. John Vizzone, Partner
There have been a few documented cases of drink driving whilst on a horse in New South Wales.
In this case, it is reported that Magistrate Day did not record a conviction which means that the incident will not remain on the Defendants record nor will they receive a fine. However, the Defendant was placed on a Conditional Release Order to not commit any criminal offences for three months and would be required to pay court costs.
If you have any queries about this article or would like any criminal law advice please contact either John Vizzone or Isabelle Worrad of our criminal law team on 02 9667 1271 or law@vrtlawyers.com.au
We have two convenient offices located in Sydney CBD/Surry Hills and Mascot.
John Vizzone, Partner
Isabelle Worrad, Solicitor
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