Electric scooters continue to grow in popularity as companies like Lime, Bird, and Spin offer an easy way to get around town without needing to drive, worry about parking, or even call an Uber. They are particularly popular among people who want to enjoy local nightlife without relying on a car. However, many electric scooter users may not realize that, in North Carolina, you can be charged with a DWI for operating a scooter while intoxicated.

Key Takeaways

• A scooter is a “vehicle” under North Carolina law.
• You can be charged with DWI for operating a scooter while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Charges for operating a scooter while impaired are treated the same as any other DWI, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe.
• Our experienced North Carolina DWI defense attorneys can evaluate your situation, explain your rights and legal options, and work to achieve a successful resolution.

Understanding North Carolina DWI Law

Under North Carolina law, an individual can be convicted of Driving While Impaired (DWI) for operating a vehicle on a public road:

• While under the influence of an impairing substance
• After having consumed alcohol (beer, wine, or liquor) such that they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher
• With any amount of a controlled substance in their blood or urine

A Scooter Is a “Vehicle” Under North Carolina DWI Law

North Carolina’s DWI law is intentionally broad. Under N.C.G.S. 20-4.01, a “vehicle” includes “Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway,” and “for the purposes of this Chapter bicycles and electric assisted bicycles shall be deemed vehicles and every rider of a bicycle or an electric assisted bicycle upon a highway shall be subject to the provisions of this Chapter.” This means scooters, bicycles, golf carts, and even riding lawn mowers all qualify as “vehicles” under North Carolina DWI law.

What Substances Can Cause Impairment?

When thinking about a DWI charge, most people think of alcohol. But North Carolina’s DWI is intentionally broad, and an individual can be charged with DWI if they are under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, or a combination of substances. Even for legal prescriptions, if the substance impairs your ability to operate a scooter safely, you can be charged with DWI.

Penalties for a DWI Conviction

The penalties for a North Carolina DWI can be severe. Even if you were charged with DWI while operating a scooter, the law treats the charge the same way. Potential penalties for a North Carolina DWI include:

• Fines and court costs
• Jail time (depending on your prior record and aggravating factors)
• Community service requirements
• Driver’s license suspension
• Mandatory substance abuse treatment (at your expense)
• Increased car insurance premiums

How a North Carolina Scooter DWI Defense Attorney Can Help

Navigating a North Carolina DWI charge can be challenging, and having experienced legal representation increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. The North Carolina DWI defense attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law, will carefully review the circumstances of your arrest and the charges against you. We will evaluate your performance of Field Sobriety Tests, whether the officer had probable cause to initiate a traffic stop, and the accuracy of the BAC test results. Then, we will work to achieve a successful resolution in your case.

Contact an Experienced North Carolina DWI Defense Attorney Today

The skilled and experienced DWI defense attorneys at Reece & Reece, Attorneys at Law, are dedicated to protecting the rights of North Carolina drivers. We represent individuals charged with DWI throughout Johnston County, including Smithfield, Benson, Clayton, Selma, Archer Lodge, Kenly, Four Oaks, Pine Level, Princeton, Wilson’s Mill, and Micro. Call (919) 300-1249 or contact us online to schedule a free case evaluation and learn how we can help.