Can You Get a DUI on a Skateboard? (The Legal Issues of Drinking and Skating)

Ever wondered if you can get a DUI while skateboarding? We explore the legal realities skaters face when riding after a drink, and how laws vary across states.

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Ever thought about cruising down the street after a few drinks 🍺 and wondered, “Can I get busted for this?” 🤔

In this post, we’re diving into whether you can get a DUI on a skateboard, and how the rules change depending on where you are. Plus, we’ll take a look at some of the risks of skating under the influence, so you can make smarter choices and stay safe. 🛹

A video titled ‘Can I Get A DUI On A Skateboard?‘ from the Curious Jon YouTube channel.

Key takeaways

  • Non-motorized skateboards generally don’t fall under DUI laws, but you could still face public intoxication or reckless behavior charges.
  • Electric skateboards can get you in hot water, with some states treating them like motor vehicles under DUI regulations.
  • State-specific laws vary widely, so it’s crucial to know the rules where you ride to avoid hefty fines or legal trouble.
  • Riding impaired is always a bad move, risking serious injuries, potential charges, and putting others at risk on the road.

Non-Motorized Skateboards and DUI Laws

Let’s start with the basics: the classic skateboard. You know, the one powered by your own two feet. In most states, including California, you can’t technically get a DUI while riding a non-motorized skateboard because DUIs are usually reserved for motor vehicles. Without an engine or wheels that require a driver’s license, you’re generally in the clear.

Can you get a dui on a skateboard? (the legal issues of drinking and skating)ever wondered if you can get a dui while skateboarding? We explore the legal realities skaters face when riding after a drink, and how laws vary across states.
Illustration of a skateboarder getting a citation from a police officer for drinking and skating.

But here’s the catch: just because you’re free from DUI charges doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Skateboarding under the influence is still a recipe for disaster. It affects your balance, reaction time, and decision-making—making you more prone to falls, accidents, and collisions with pedestrians or cars. And trust me, road rash is a souvenir no one wants to bring home. 🤕

While you might escape a DUI citation, you could still face charges for public intoxication, disorderly conduct, or reckless behavior. If you’re weaving through traffic or causing a scene, expect a law enforcement officer to stop you, even if you’re not technically breaking any DUI laws.

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Electric Skateboards and DUI

Now, let’s level up with electric skateboards. These bad boys pack a motor and can hit some serious speeds. And when there’s a motor involved, the law takes notice. In places like California, riding an electric skateboard while under the influence can land you in trouble, even if you’re not technically “driving” a car.

In California, under Vehicle Code Section 21296, you can get a citation for riding an electric skateboard while impaired, which could cost you up to $250. While this might not come with a license suspension, it’s still a hefty fine to deal with. Plus, there’s no exact BAC limit for these boards—meaning if an officer thinks you’re too tipsy to ride safely, they can ticket you, even if you’re below the legal driving limit of 0.08%.

The risks are real here. Electric skateboards can hit speeds upwards of 20mph, and wiping out at that speed can seriously injure you, or worse, someone else. And if you cause an accident while under the influence, you could be facing far worse legal consequences than just a fine.

Can You Get a DUI on a Skateboard? The Short Answer: Maybe

So, can you get a DUI on a skateboard? It depends. Non-motorized skateboards are generally safe from DUI charges, but electric skateboards? They’re a whole different ball game. If you’re riding under the influence on one of those, you might face fines or worse, depending on your state’s laws.

But whether or not it’s a legal issue, riding a skateboard while impaired is still a serious risk to your safety. You might not get a DUI, but you could still face charges for public intoxication or reckless behavior. And even if you get off with no citation, there’s still the risk of injury—both to yourself and to others.

State-Specific Laws: The Legal Landscape Varies

Skateboarding laws are far from uniform, and every state (and sometimes even city) can have different rules. Here are a few examples of how things break down in different parts of the U.S.

  • California: As mentioned, non-motorized skateboards usually don’t fall under DUI laws, but electric skateboards are treated more like motor vehicles, so you could face fines for riding under the influence.
  • Oregon: Watch out here! Oregon has one of the stricter approaches when it comes to impaired skateboarding. In fact, a man in Oregon was arrested for a DUI after colliding with a van while riding his skateboard under the influence. In Oregon, a skateboard is considered a “vehicle,” meaning you can face DUI charges if you’re caught impaired while riding.
  • Wisconsin: For a more laid-back approach, look no further than Wisconsin. In this state, it’s generally legal to ride a bike or skateboard while intoxicated. However, if you’re being reckless, you could still be cited for public intoxication or disorderly conduct.

A few more tips

Before you hit the streets, it’s important to consider other local laws regarding skateboarding. Many cities have ordinances about where you can skateboard, when you can skateboard, and—here’s a big one—what protective gear you need to wear.

  • Safety Gear: Many states, cities, and even private property owners require that skateboarders wear helmets and pads for safety. A drunk skater might forget—or simply ignore—these laws, but police have the authority to issue citations for failure to wear the proper safety gear, even if you’re not technically impaired.
  • Restricted Areas: Some cities have designated areas where skateboarding is allowed, and others where it’s not. Riding your skateboard in a restricted zone—especially while intoxicated—could lead to disorderly conduct or other charges.

The risks of skating under the influence: It’s more dangerous than you think

Whether you’re on a regular deck or an electric one, skating while intoxicated is always dangerous. Alcohol and drugs impair your judgment and motor skills, which is bad news when you’re zooming down a sidewalk or street with obstacles everywhere.

  • Injuries to Yourself: A fall while sober can hurt, but a fall while drunk or high can be far worse. From road rash to broken bones, the stakes are high. Slower reaction times, poor decision-making, and a loss of balance can all lead to serious accidents. And even if you don’t get hurt, you could end up in a situation where you injure someone else.
  • Injuries to Others: Skaters share public spaces with pedestrians, cyclists, and even drivers. If you’re impaired, you might not have the reflexes to avoid hitting someone. You could end up hurting someone else and facing legal consequences far more serious than a DUI citation.

Final thoughts

So, can you get a DUI on a skateboard? It’s complicated. While non-motorized skateboards usually avoid DUI charges, electric skateboards could land you in trouble, especially in states like California and Oregon. But even if you’re not charged with a DUI, skating under the influence is still a huge risk to your safety and the safety of others.

At the end of the day, skateboarding is about freedom and fun. But to keep that vibe going, it’s important to make responsible choices. The next time you’re thinking of skating after a few drinks, consider leaving your board at home. Your future self—and everyone around you—will thank you. ✌️

Image of jedain.
Written by Jedain Arron, Founder and writer

I'm Jedain, a 30-something-year-old dad rekindling my love for skateboarding. I've been skating since I was 13 back in New York City, took a long break for adulting, and now I'm back on the board.

This blog documents my journey back to the skatepark (creaky joints and all). Follow along as I relearn tricks, reconnect with the skate scene, and share the ups and downs of returning to the sport.

Nick eggert.
Edited by Nick Eggert, Editor

Nick is our staff editor and co-founder. He has a passion for writing, editing, and website development. His expertise lies in shaping content with precision and managing digital spaces with a keen eye for detail. When not working on the site, you can find him sipping Bourbon at the karaoke bar.

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