A Montana Department of Transportation public safety video that features a horse picking up a rider at a bar is intended as a metaphor to encourage drinkers to get a ride home.
But it is being taken literally by some 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 newspaper that 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.
Much of the talk is not about if the "Sober Friend" ad is realistic, but rather if it is legal to ride home drunk on a horse. The Record reports:
Luke Berger, deputy Helena city attorney, said he has not heard of anyone in Helena riding home from a bar on horseback. But, just because it may be legal, doesn't mean it's a good idea.
"I wouldn't recommend that anyone does that. But as the law says, you can ride your horse after drinking," he said.
WATCH: 'Sober Friend'
