{"id":354384,"date":"2025-07-01T10:35:43","date_gmt":"2025-07-01T15:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/?page_id=354384"},"modified":"2025-07-01T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T05:00:00","slug":"can-you-get-a-dui-on-a-skateboard","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/charges\/can-you-get-a-dui-on-a-skateboard.html","title":{"rendered":"Can You Get a DUI On a Skateboard?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can You Get a DUI On a Skateboard?<\/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

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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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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

In some cases, yes. The answer can depend on state law and whether you are using a traditional or electric skateboard. Most state laws exclude human-powered skateboards from DUI laws. But electric skateboards with motors could potentially result in a DUI charge in some places. Riding a traditional skateboard is more likely to lead to alternative charges like public intoxication or disorderly conduct.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

When you think about drunk driving arrests, skateboards probably don’t come to mind. Many people wouldn’t call a skateboard a vehicle.<\/p>\n

However, state DUI laws can be surprisingly broad. They can cover various forms of transportation beyond traditional automobiles<\/a>. To know whether operating a skateboard while intoxicated could lead to criminal charges, you’ll need to understand your state’s specific legal framework.<\/p>\n

Getting charged with driving under the influence (DUI) for riding a skateboard may be confusing and overwhelming. However, a DUI defense attorney<\/a> can help you look at your case. They can help you understand the charges and weigh your options.<\/p>\n

Does a Skateboard Count as a Vehicle?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most DUI or DWI laws are designed with motor vehicles in mind. For instance, federal law<\/a> specifically mentions “motor vehicle” when talking about blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels. Officers may use a breathalyzer test to determine if someone is driving while impaired.<\/p>\n

However, the distinction lies in how each state law defines “vehicle” versus “motor vehicle.” Some state laws define “motor vehicles” as any device that can be used to transport a person on a highway. This definition could potentially include golf carts, mopeds, and even lawnmowers, if used on public roads. Some states even include bicycles in their DUI laws<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, some states define “vehicles” with the exclusion of those exclusively powered by humans. This is when the charges for things like riding a skateboard while under the influence of drugs or alcohol come into the picture.<\/p>\n

Alternative Charges to a DUI<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Even when DUI charges do not apply, the state can pursue other alternative criminal charges, such as:<\/p>\n