This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

No one needs the luck of the Irish for a free ride home from St. Patrick's Day celebrations if they've had a pint too many. AAA Utah is offering to take drinkers and their cars home without charge.

The company will offer free rides to drinking drivers from 6 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Saturday.

Drivers may call 800-222-4357 (AAA-HELP) for a free ride home of up to 10 miles by telling the operator they need a "tipsy tow."

"The Tipsy Tow program is a service to the community by AAA to keep roads safe during the year," said Rolayne Fairclough, AAA Utah spokesperson. "St. Patrick's Day is a perfect time to offer Tipsy Tow because so many enjoy getting into the spirit of the holiday,"

The service will provide a one-way ride for the driver and vehicle to the driver's home. If additional passengers need a ride, they will be taken to the driver's home as long as there is sufficient room for them to be transported safely in the tow truck.

AAA estimates that a first-time DUI conviction in Utah can cost more than $12,000 in fines, penalties, restitution, legal fees and added insurance expenses.

­— Lee Davidson