You might think leaving your car at home means you can have a few drinks and ride an e-bike, electric scooter, or golf cart instead. But Wyoming’s driving while under the influence (DWUI) laws cover more than cars and trucks.
Can you get a DUI on an e-bike, scooter, or golf cart in Wyoming?
This all depends on the type of device you’re riding, how Wyoming law classifies it, and the circumstances surrounding your stop. Here is what you want to know about where you stand before assuming you can hop on these modes of transportation.
Wyoming’s DWUI Law?
Under Wyoming Statute § 31-5-233, you can face a DWUI charge if you drive or have actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or certain drugs. A blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher can also lead to a charge.
But you don’t have to be moving to get into trouble. If you’re in a position to operate a vehicle, the question of whether you had actual physical control of it may come into play.
But what counts as a vehicle? Wyoming law has a broad definition of a vehicle. And that definition of a motor vehicle excludes certain devices, including electric bicycles.
Keep in mind that the DWUI statute refers to a vehicle, not just a motor vehicle. This is important when trying to see whether a specific device falls under the law. In other words, you can’t assume that something is exempt from DWUI laws because it isn’t a car.
What About Golf Carts and Gas-Powered Mini-Bikes?
If you’re wondering whether you can get a DUI on a golf cart in Wyoming, the answer is yes. The cart can qualify as a vehicle covered by the DWUI law.
Even if you don’t need a conventional driver’s license to operate a certain device, that doesn’t permit you to operate it while impaired. Licensing requirements and impaired driving laws are two different things.
Along with that, you should never assume that being on private property automatically protects you from a DWUI charge. Wyoming’s law can apply beyond public highways.
Gas-powered mini-bikes are also different. Depending on the engine size, power, and design, a mini-bike may qualify as a motor-driven cycle under Wyoming law. And that classification can affect which rules apply.
So, if you plan to leave the car keys behind and take a mini-bike instead, you didn’t find a loophole.
E-Bikes and Electric Scooters Are a Gray Area
E-bikes and electric scooters are where things get a little murkier. Wyoming recognizes electric bicycles as a distinct category. State law excludes electric bicycles from its definition of a motor vehicle.
That sounds simple until you look at the DWUI statute, which uses the broader term “vehicle.” The relationship between those definitions raises questions about how the law applies to someone riding an e-bike after drinking.
Electric scooters are in a similar category. Not every scooter is legally identical. And the device’s design and specifications may affect how it’s classified.
Unfortunately, without specifics, it can be difficult to tell whether an e-bike or scooter will lead to a DWUI charge, or that it automatically protects you from one.
Could You Face Other Charges or Lose Your License?
Even if DWUI isn’t the right fit for your situation, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re off the hook. Depending on what happened, you could face other allegations, such as:
- Reckless conduct
- Public intoxication offenses
- Violations of local ordinances
Your driver’s license is another issue. Your license is not automatically safe just because your ride doesn’t require one. At the same time, a license suspension is not an automatic consequence of every incident involving an alternative vehicle.
If your teenager was riding an e-bike or mini-bike after drinking, there may also be juvenile law issues to consider.
What Should You Do If You’ve Been Stopped?
Getting stopped or cited can leave you with plenty of questions. Before you assume the charge doesn’t apply, take a closer look at what you’ve actually been accused of doing.
You want to start by reviewing your citation and any court paperwork. Keep any information about your device, including its make, model, motor specifications, and any modifications. Those details could help with how Wyoming law classifies it.
You also want to pay attention to court dates and any deadlines involving your driver’s license. Remember that ignoring the paperwork or assuming the charge will disappear on its own can make this situation harder to manage.
That is why you want a DUI criminal defense lawyer who can review the facts of the case, evaluate how the law applies, and help you understand your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a DUI on a golf cart in Wyoming?
Yes. You may face a DWUI charge if you operate a golf cart while impaired. The cart’s classification will also play a role.
Can you get a DUI on an e-bike in Wyoming?
This is a legally unsettled question. Wyoming excludes electric bicycles from its motor vehicle definition, but the DWUI statute uses the broader term “vehicle.”
Can you get a DUI on an electric scooter?
Possibly, but the answer depends on how the scooter is classified and used. Different devices can fall under different legal definitions, so don’t think you’re automatically exempt from impaired-driving laws.
Get Answers About Your Wyoming DWUI Case
Being accused of impaired driving on an e-bike, scooter, or golf cart is a tough situation. You may not know whether the law applies, what penalties you could face, or whether your driver’s license is at risk.
At Just Criminal Law, we can look at the charge and help you take the next steps for your situation. If you’ve received a citation or been charged after riding an alternative vehicle, schedule a consultation before important deadlines pass.
