In many states, driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal under federal law. This type of arrest is known as driving under the influence arrest or DUI for short. Almost all vehicles are subject to the law, including sedans, trucks, and SUVs.
As per state laws, such convictions or arrests can occur under a variety of circumstances due to the fact that many modes of transportation fall under the category of motor vehicles or vehicles in general.
It is common for rollerbladers to wonder whether they can get a DUI while rollerblading. Well, technically rollerblades are not classified as vehicles, so DUI laws aren’t applicable to them. In many states, the federal laws prohibiting driving while impaired or intoxicated explicitly define a vehicle as a motorized mode of transportation.
Therefore, driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal. The law applies to every motorized vehicle, including cars, mopeds, SUVs, trucks, golf carts, motorcycles, farm equipment, snowmobiles, and even lawnmowers.
Occasionally, people can get a DUI for the weirdest of vehicles like wheelchairs, horse-drawn carriages, inflatable rafts, or Christmas floats. We will explore more to find out what laws apply to rollerblades.
Table of Contents
Getting to know DUI
The term DUI simply refers to driving under the influence. If a person rides a motor vehicle while intoxicated, they may be charged with a DUI. In certain situations, however, different jurisdictions or states may use different terms to define DUI. Depending on the state, DUI may be referred to as Operating Under Influence (OUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Whatever the terminology, DUI involves a serious legal offense and should not be taken lightly.
If you operate a motor vehicle (any type) while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you may be charged with a DUI. Occasionally, non-motorized vehicles, such as horse-drawn carriages, may also be subject to this law.
Depending on the jurisdiction or state, DUI arrests may be complicated and have different implications. In general, When a person is arrested for DUI, it means they are operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In some cases, an officer will administer a test to confirm an individual’s intoxication. In order to determine the degree of intoxication, a person may undergo various field sobriety tests.
However, When it comes to measuring levels of legal intoxication, a breathalyzer, urine analysis, or blood test often offers a definitive indication.
To determine legal intoxication, the standard universally accepted BAC value is 0.08. However, Different jurisdictions may have different standards. In other words, a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher is likely to be charged and prosecuted under the DUI law.
As a definitive measure of whether or not an individual is intoxicated, the BAC value takes precedence over any other measure. To put it simply, if a person passes all field tests indicating sobriety but fails the BAC test, he or she will be arrested immediately.
Any amount of alcohol in the system of an individual during driving that may impair their judgment or ability to drive can permit an arrest, even if the BAC level is below the legal limit. As a result, DUI offenses are charged based on behavior, driving capability, and accident potential.
Additionally, DUI isn’t just about alcohol consumption. DUI charges can be made if an individual is found under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter drugs or illicit drugs.
Rollerblades and DUI
Rollerblades, technically speaking, do not contain any motor parts or their derivatives, so DUI is not applicable to them. However, the definition does not completely protect people who are intoxicated while rollerblading.
In most cases, DUI charges should not be applied, but something associated with public intoxication instead.
If an individual is arrested for a DUI-type offense, they may be sentenced to prison. In the case of first-timers, they may be charged with a misdemeanor and released.
In some cases, however, an individual may be required to serve time if their blood alcohol concentration equals or exceeds 0.15. Depending on the jurisdiction, driving privileges may be suspended or restricted.
In any case, a rollerblader arrested under the influence has the right to defend themselves legally. In some instances, a good legal representation of the case in the law court may result in the charges being dropped.
What to do If You Are Arrested on Rollerblades Under DUI?
Different states may have different DUI laws and penalties. In the event that you are ever arrested for a DUI or DUI-type offense, it is important to contact a DUI lawyer as soon as possible, regardless of the vehicle you drive. In addition, you should be aware of your rights and defense options.
What are the circumstances under which you may be considered under the DUI?
Your driving ability will be impaired to a significant degree if the level of alcohol or drugs in your bloodstream affects your nervous system, judgment capacity, brain, or muscles significantly.
What Can be Expected After an Arrest?
The person arrested for DUI or DUI-type offenses is arraigned in a law court during which they are publicly charged and given the opportunity to plead not guilty or guilty.
In most cases, an attorney is able to recommend a standard legal procedure to plead not guilty, pay the bond, and get released. During the arraignment, you can have an attorney assist you.
In the event of a DUI conviction, a person’s driving license is temporarily suspended. In the case of first-timers, the duration is 90 days. In some cases, an individual may get a restricted driving license if agrees to meet certain specifications.
Also, A person convicted of an alcohol-related offense may be placed on probation, required to attend an alcohol education program, or required to undergo a formal alcohol/substance use disorder evaluation.
Some courts require individuals to undergo substance abuse treatment to reduce repeat DUI offenders. Additionally, DUI charges may present a complication or embarrassment in the workplace.
In cases of DUI-type offenses, records and ramifications last for many years. Therefore, whether you are rollerblading or skating, it is important not to drink.
Questions related to this
What types of vehicles are subject to a DUI charge? While DUI laws differ from state to state, operating any of the following vehicles may result in a DUI conviction:
⦁ Motorcycle
⦁ Bicycle
⦁ Moped
⦁ Lawnmower
⦁ Farm equipment
⦁ Snowmobile
⦁ Golf cart
Is it possible to be charged with DUI for something other than a motorcycle or car? Several states prohibit driving while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol/drugs.
However, the explicit definition of the term motor vehicle may not be as clear as it should be. As a result, the law court may determine whether or not the person was operating a vehicle that was subject to DUI laws at its discretion.
A law court may examine and consider a number of factors, such as:
⦁ If the vehicle under consideration is motorized. When a person operates a motorized vehicle under the influence or one with a drive train, he or she can be charged with a DUI. Any motorized vehicle, including mopeds and bicycles, is included in the criteria.
⦁ If the vehicle under consideration is not motor-powered, such as rollerblades or horses, it is unlikely that the person will get a DUI for riding under the influence but may be charged with a DUI-type offense or public intoxication.
