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Chris Kattan's DUI: Ex-'SNL' Star Blames Prescription Drugs

By Aditi Mukherji, JD on February 10, 2014 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Former "Saturday Night Live" cast member Chris Kattan was arrested for DUI on the 101 Freeway in Southern California.

Kattan, best known for the sassy character Mango, was reportedly driving under the influence of prescription pills, The Associated Press reports.

For fellow drivers, Kattan's arrest is a cautionary tale: Driving under the influence of prescription pills -- even perfectly legal ones -- can lead to DUI arrests.

Kattan's DUI Details

Kattan was in his Mercedes Benz, cruising down the 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley after 1 AM, when other drivers reported seeing him drive erratically, reports the AP.

According to the California Highway Patrol, drivers reported seeing the car weave in and out of lanes at slow speeds. He then reportedly drove into a coned-off stretch of a freeway closure and struck a Department of Transportation vehicle from behind.

Weaving in and out of lanes is a classic sign of impaired driving. Driving into a closed section of the freeway and hitting a DOT vehicle pretty much seals the DUI deal. That is more than enough to trigger reasonable suspicion for a DUI stop.

Fortunately, no one was injured. In addition to facing possible criminal consequences for his DUI, Kattan will likely be liable for any damage he caused to the DOT vehicle.

Drugged Driving

Some drugs legally procured at a pharmacy, whether they're prescribed by a doctor or bought over the counter, can be just as dangerous for drivers as alcohol, and can also result in a DUI arrest.

For example, taking the following common prescription and over-the-counter drugs behind the wheel can lead to DUI charges if they impair your ability to drive:

  • Antidepressants;
  • Valium;
  • Antihistamines;
  • Decongestants;
  • Sleeping pills; and
  • Hydrocodone.

Before you get behind the wheel this weekend, look at your medicine's warning labels or ask your pharmacist if you're not sure whether your prescription drugs can impair your driving.

If you, like Kattan, wound up with a DUI arrest because of prescription pills, you should consult an experienced DUI attorney to figure out your legal options.

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