Can You Get A DUI On A Hoverboard? (Let’s Find Out)
The popular definition for getting charged with a DUI means the offender was driving a motorcycle, truck, or car while drunk.
Well, this definition is true to a large extent. But other transportation methods like Hoverboards could get a person charged with a DUI.
However, it is hard to classify hoverboards under this category because they are off-road vehicles. Therefore, this article will help answer that question and other related ones.
You can get a DUI on a hoverboard because it falls under the category of motorized vehicles. Most states’ law makes driving, riding, controlling, or operating a motorized vehicle while drunk illegal. This law protects the rider and everyone around from getting hurt. Whoever rides a hoverboard when drunk can get arrested and fined for it.
In this article, I will explain if you can get a DUI while riding a hoverboard, where you can’t get a DUI on a hoverboard, and the rules accompanying riding a hoverboard.
By the end, you’ll also understand the features that make hoverboards an exception for DUI charges in some places.
Can You Get a DUI While Riding a Hoverboard?
Yes, you can get a DUI while riding a hoverboard. DUI charges vary in different states according to local laws.
Most states consider it illegal to drive or ride, operate, or control a motorized vehicle while your blood alcohol level is above the standard legal limit.
Motor vehicle, in this case, refers to any self-driven vehicle and any vehicle driven by electric power from overhead trolley wires.
This term includes off-road recreational vehicles like hoverboards, but excludes human-powered vehicles like roller skates, kick scooters, inline skates, etc.
These states classify hoverboards as motorized vehicles that are also self-driven. The government made these rules to govern drinking and riding.
Although, riding a hoverboard while intoxicated might seem like a minor issue because they do not seem fast. But there are reasons to avoid riding one in this situation.
You could be endangering yourself and everyone around if you ride on a public street while drunk.
Navigating through obstacles on the streets can be challenging for a drunk rider. You don’t want to risk bumping into someone or something like a car.
Depending on the accident’s severity, it could lead to severe injuries or death. In addition, riding on the streets while intoxicated could get you charged with public intoxication.
At the same time, if you try to avoid getting charged for DUI and ride a hoverboard on your property. You can end up getting severe injuries or killing yourself.
Although there may be a few obstacles on your property, it doesn’t dispute the fact that accidents happen when you don’t expect them.
Hoverboards are dangerous when you are not an experienced rider, or you don’t maintain them correctly—in addition, riding one while drunk exposes you to more risk.
So, it is best to avoid riding a hoverboard when drunk, regardless of location and situation.
Where Can You Not Get a DUI on a Hoverboard?
Getting a DUI on a hoverboard is most likely in the majority of the states in the US. The DUI law applies to almost all the US States.
Unfortunately, only a few states, like Oklahoma, may not charge people for DUIs on hoverboards.
Although the rules on drunk driving are the same in every state, the definition of motorized vehicles is the only difference.
For example, Oklahoma may categorize hoverboards as electric personal assistive mobility devices due to some features.
The table below outlines some features that make hoverboards an exception for DUI charges in some places.
| Features | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Definition | A self-balancing electric-powered device designed for only one person. |
| Wheel type | Two non-tandem wheel |
| Electric power | Average of 750 Watts. |
| Speed | Less than 20mph. |
| Operator weight | 170 pounds. |
However, riding a hoverboard while drunk in any area is not advisable without knowing the local DUI rules.
Every area has its rules, and you have to abide by them when you are there. In addition, some situations may make you face DUI charges on a hoverboard.
For example, determining the vehicle category a hoverboard falls into may be different in some places.
Although the laws may allow riding hoverboards while drunk, however, some law enforcement officers may need help understanding what vehicle a hoverboard is.
You may still get charged for DUI in this situation. So, avoiding riding a hoverboard under the influence is best unless you have legal backing.
What Are the Rules Accompanying Riding a Hoverboard?
Although hoverboards are a typical recreational vehicle in the country, there are a few rules everyone needs to know before riding a hoverboard.
Here are the rules accompanying riding a hoverboard.
#1. Age Limit for Riding
The law makes it illegal for any hoverboard rider below 16 years old to ride in public places. This law makes hoverboards an exclusion for kids in public places.
However, kids can ride it in secluded areas except on the highways. Moreover, the highways aren’t safe places for kids to play.
In addition, this law aligns with the learner’s permit regulations in most states. So, it is best only to ride hoverboards in public places if you are up to 16 years old.
#2. Speed Limits
The speed limits law doesn’t apply to the hoverboard’s maximum speed but the maximum speed limits for the streets, roads, and paths.
The maximum speed limit for your device is 15 mph or lower in some parts of the US. It helps to keep hoverboard riders off dangerous public highways and high-speed commuter roads.
In addition, it helps to reduce hoverboard accidents and keep the devices in line with traffic laws.
However, it is best to avoid reaching the maximum speed limit to avoid getting fined for a law violation.
#3. Mandatory Helmet Use
It is mandatory to wear a helmet when riding hoverboards in public places. Helmets help minimize the risk of getting severe injuries during accidents.
In addition, this law applies to most states for scooters, bicycles, motorcycles, and other two and three-wheeled vehicles in public places.
In addition, wearing a helmet reduces the legal liability of hoverboard manufacturers. The law generally protects the riders and manufacturers.
#4. Mandatory Light Features
The law makes it compulsory for every hoverboard model to have lights. This feature is necessary, especially for riding at night.
It helps the rider to see the road clearly and prevents accidents. Hence, it is best to avoid riding any hoverboard that doesn’t have lights at night.
#5. Alcohol Consumption
The law strictly prohibits consuming alcohol while riding a hoverboard. You can get charged and fined for it to get caught.
However, the law enforcement officer may make you go through more legal charges if you get caught in a more difficult alcohol situation.
For example, causing an accident and exposing other people to risk can get you more severe charges.
#6. Penalties for Violating
Furthermore, there are penalties for violating these hoverboard safety laws. You will get a fine of $250 for each offense.
For example, if you fail to comply with the maximum speed limit and fail to wear a helmet, you will get two separate fines for each charge which is a total of $500.
Presently, there are no other penalties beyond paying a fine. But you can pay multiple fines at once.
There is no limit to the number of fines each person is liable to pay. It depends on the number of charges the person faces.
However, it is advisable to avoid getting caught for violating any of these laws.
