Can you Get a DUI on a Skateboard?

Sometimes simple questions can be a bit complicated to answer and one of them is “can you get a DUI on a skateboard?”

DUI is not applicable to skateboarding because it is not technically a vehicle. But it depends on the area where you are living in. In some states, police may arrest you or fine you while riding your skateboard in influence.

However, if that wasn’t enough for you then I have more to tell you about skateboarding and DUI. So in order to explore more about the question “can you get a DUI on a skateboard?” you will need to read this article to the end.

First of all, let’s take a closer look at the definition of the term DUI and where is it applicable.

What is DUI?

The term DUI stands for Driving Under Influence. Driving under influence includes some unwanted elements such as alcohol, drugs, and even medications that you may take for some medical conditions.

Of course, it is not acceptable to drive when you are drunk or under the influence of any other kinds of drugs that affect your ability to control your vehicle.

However, there are different laws in various areas and some regions or states may make it illegal to drive under the influence of drugs other than alcohol such as marijuana.

So even if you are caught while driving with a certain level of medication in your blood, you could be accused of DUI and get into trouble.

Can You Get a DUI on a Skateboard?

Yes. If you are under the influence while operating a skateboard, it can be considered a DUI/DWI just like if you’re operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

You would receive the same penalties that someone who is caught driving under the influence in their car would face.

The laws vary in every state and in some states skateboarders are not subject to DUI/DWI laws because a skateboard is not technically defined as a “vehicle”.

Skateboarding Under The Influence (SUI)

In certain cases when skateboarders get caught riding under the influence, they can be charged with SUI (Skateboarding Under the Influence) which is a $10 fine and about 10 minutes of your time.

If you’ve never been pulled over for skateboarding under the influence, it’s likely because:

1.) You’re not skating drunk/high enough to draw attention from law enforcement or anyone else.

2.) The cops just don’t care that you’ve been caught skateboarding while under the influence.

You Should Not Ride Under Influence

Even if you don’t get DUI on a skateboard you should never ride a skateboard. It is because whenever you are highly drunk or under influence of some medication you may lose your consciousness.

Under such conditions, it is possible that you may either hurt yourself while riding or other people around.

Especially when there is traffic in the area then you should avoid riding the skateboard until you can control yourself. If you choose to ride the board even under influence then it is more likely to face accidents.

States Where you May Get DUI on a skateboard

Some states have strict rules for skateboarders and if you are caught riding drunk or under influence of anything then you may face the following consequences:

1. You may be fined.
2. You might spend some time in jail.
3. If you have kids, child protective services could get involved with your family to make sure that your kids are not in danger.
4. They could take away your skateboard for a period of time or forever if you continue to break the law.
5. You may be required to complete an alcohol treatment program and/or community service hours related to substance abuse awareness.
6. If this is your second DUI, you will also have your driver’s license suspended for at least 1 year.

What to Do If You’re Caught Skateboarding While Under Influence?

First of all, you should not ride under the influence if do not have positive control over yourself.

It is because the police will take their actions against you as per your condition.

If you are not in your senses then you may hurt someone while riding.

It is recommended that you should avoid taking drugs before the ride. If you cannot avoid it then at least take some precautions like having brakes or gears to control the speed of your skateboard.

If you are caught while riding under influence, do not act out of control or do not play any tricks with the police officers.

You should act sober and polite.

The police may ask you to take some tests if they think that you are under influence of drugs or alcohol.

Do the test only if you know how to do it correctly otherwise avoid doing them because your wrong answers can also be used against you.

Finally, you should not try to run away from the police if they have caught you while riding a skateboard under influence.

They may think that you are trying to hide something and it can make your condition worst. It is better if you avoid doing such things when the police ask some questions about you.

Last Minute Thoughts

So can you get a DUI on a skateboard?

It depends on where you live and your skating habits.

If you live in a place with poor public transportation, ride in blacked-out areas at night, or in places with little to no police presence then your risk of getting caught increases exponentially.

If however, if you take the bus or train or you don’t get blackout drunk before going out to skate then you should not have anything to worry about.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this article. If you’ve found it helpful then please share it with your friends too!

As always thank you for reading

Happy skateboarding!