Watch CBS News

Court: No DUI For Northville Man Driving In Driveway

NORTHVILLE (AP) - Drunken driving is illegal. But maybe not in your driveway.

The Michigan appeals court says a judge was correct in dismissing a charge against a Northville man, who was arrested after backing his Cadillac out of the garage and then driving back into the garage. Police were responding to complaints about loud music.

In a 2-1 decision Wednesday, the appeals court pulled out a dictionary to explain its reasoning under Michigan law. The court says the man was not driving in an area that's "generally accessible" to other vehicles.

The court noted that the man was in his backyard, and his driveway wasn't open to other cars. In dissent, Judge Kathleen Jansen says she would have reinstated the charge.

© Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.