{"id":286723,"date":"2025-11-21T09:40:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-21T14:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/charges\/non-automobile-dui-other-motor-vehicles0.html"},"modified":"2025-11-21T19:40:00","modified_gmt":"2025-11-22T00:40:00","slug":"non-automobile-dui-other-motor-vehicles0","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/charges\/non-automobile-dui-other-motor-vehicles0.html","title":{"rendered":"Non-Automobile DUI: Can You Get a DUI on a Scooter? A Golf Cart? A Lawn Mower?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Non-Automobile DUI: Can You Get a DUI on a Scooter? A Golf Cart? A Lawn Mower?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Yes, you can get a DUI<\/span> for operating vehicles like a scooter, golf cart, or even a lawn mower<\/span> while impaired. State DUI<\/span> laws<\/span> often have a broad definition of “motor vehicle<\/span>,” meaning a charge is possible if your blood alcohol content<\/span> (BAC<\/span>) is over the legal limit<\/span> while operating one, especially if you\u2019re on a public road. In many cases, the penalties for a non-automobile DUI<\/span> are just as severe as those for operating a traditional car while intoxicated.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Most people think of driving under the influence<\/span> (DUI<\/span>) as driving a car after drinking, but state DUI<\/span> laws<\/span> can extend to almost any motorized vehicle<\/span>, along with some non-motorized ones. Whether you can get a DUI<\/span> on one\u00a0depends on your state’s laws, how it defines a motor vehicle<\/span>, and where the incident occurred.<\/p>\n

Some states define a motor vehicle<\/span> to include any motorized device, regardless of its purpose. In some jurisdictions, DUI<\/span> laws<\/span> apply not only on public roads, but anywhere in the state, including private property<\/u><\/a>.<\/p>\n

In some locales, drunk driving<\/span> statutes aren\u2019t limited to motor vehicles<\/span>. You can get a DUI<\/span> on a bicycle<\/u><\/a>, a skateboard<\/u><\/a>, or even on a horse<\/u><\/a>. Because the state laws vary, facing a non-automobile DUI<\/span> charge can be confusing.<\/p>\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain some of the variations in state law and the potential penalties for a non-automobile DUI<\/span>. If you’ve been charged with any type of DUI<\/span>, consider reaching out to an experienced DUI<\/span> defense attorney<\/u><\/a>. They can analyze your case and help protect your rights and driving privileges<\/span>.<\/p>\n

DUI Legal Definitions To Know<\/h2>\n

Different states use different terms<\/a> for alcohol-related<\/span> criminal offenses<\/span> or traffic violations. While they all cover the same offense, it\u2019s a good idea to be able to recognize them when you see them. For example:<\/p>\n