Arizona Electric Scooter DUI
Many people believe that getting home on an electric scooter after drinking alcohol is a better alternative legally to operating a motor vehicle. However, in Arizona, this is not the case. Under state law, you can get arrested and convicted of a driving under the influence (DUI) crime for operating an e-scooter while impaired. Our experienced Scottsdale DUI attorneys can assist you with your options and help you build a defense if you face these charges.
Can You Get a DUI While Riding an Electric Scooter in Arizona?
Yes. Arizona’s DUI law (Revised Statute § 28-1381) states that a person commits a DUI crime if he or she is in actual physical control of a vehicle while impaired by an intoxicating substance. This law applies to a wide range of motor vehicles, including electric scooters. Under this law, if you operate an e-scooter, such as a rentable one from Lime or Bird, after imbibing in alcohol or drugs, you could be charged with a DUI.
In Arizona, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level for a vehicle operator is 0.08 percent. If you exceed this BAC while operating an e-scooter in Arizona, you could be arrested for “DUI per se,” meaning an automatic DUI for breaking the state’s BAC law. However, Arizona is a zero-tolerance state for DUIs, meaning you could get arrested for this crime even with a lower BAC.
What Are the Penalties for an Electric Scooter DUI in Arizona?
Riding an electric scooter while intoxicated may not seem as serious as a motor vehicle, but state lawmakers place the same amount of significance on both. Operating an electric scooter erratically could cause an automobile accident and serious injuries not only to the rider, but to others involved. For this reason, e-scooter DUI cases are taken seriously.
The penalties you could face upon conviction include:
- Time spent in jail (up to 5 days for a first offense)
- Fines, fees and surcharges
- Community restitution
- Mandatory substance abuse screening and treatment
- Driver’s license suspension of 90 days to 1 year
- Possible probation
- SR22 car insurance
- A permanent criminal record
These are the same general penalties for a DUI involving a standard motor vehicle in Arizona. Both types of DUI offenses are Class 1 misdemeanors.
What Are Defenses to an Arizona Electric Scooter DUI?
If you get arrested for driving under the influence while riding an e-scooter in Arizona, you have the right to hire an attorney to defend you throughout the legal process. Our skilled DUI attorneys in Scottsdale will choose the ideal strategy for you based on your specific case.
Defense options may include:
- Challenging the e-scooter stop (no justification)
- Constitutional or Miranda rights violations during the arrest
- Lack of actual impairment or intoxication
- Questioning the BAC test results
- Improperly administered breath, blood or urine test
- Chain of custody problems
- Challenging field sobriety test results
Many of the same defenses used in typical DUI cases in Arizona can be applied to e-scooter cases. The sooner you hire an attorney, the better. Our DUI defense lawyers in Scottsdale can immediately step in to protect you from common mistakes, such as unintentional self-incrimination.
Speak to an Experienced DUI Defense Lawyer in Arizona Today
If you find yourself facing a DUI charge for operating an electric scooter in Arizona, contact our Scottsdale DUI attorneys right away. At Corso Law Group, our lawyers know how to advocate for the rights of DUI clients with aggressive and personalized defense strategies. We have achieved positive results for many driving under the influence cases. Contact us today at (480) 471-4616 for free legal consultation.
