Can riding an electric scooter drunk get you jail time? Golf cart? Bicycle?
Let’s say you’re riding on an electric scooter in downtown Sacramento after a few drinks with friends, and then you’re pulled over by a police car.
What’s the worst that can happen? A fine? Can you have your license suspended? Can you face jail time for driving a non-car intoxicated?
The Bee talked to Matt Gutierrez, lieutenant of the California Highway Patrol, about the dangers and consequences of driving a non-car under the influence.
Here’s what to know:
Can a person receive a DUI for riding a bike, electric scooter or a golf cart while intoxicated?
Yes, they can.
California law currently has two codes directly addressing non-car intoxicated driving. California Code, VEH 21200.5 and VEH 21221.5, states that it is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle or electric scooter upon a highway while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or any drug.
In California, though golf carts can not exceed a speed limit of more than 25 mph, drivers are subject to similar penalties as a normal vehicle.
Gutierrez said regardless of the vehicle being operated, driving while under the influence is dangerous to not only the driver, but to everyone in the community.
“A DUI crash or arrest is preventable,” said Gutierrez. “Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, call a taxi, use a rideshare company, or stay where you are for the night. A DUI could cost you your license, freedom, life, or the life of another.”
Are the penalties similar to driving a car?
Penalties for driving a non-car vehicle under the influence depends on the vehicle being operated and the age of the driver.
For those driving an electric scooter or bicycle, drivers can be requested to have a chemical test made of the driver’s blood, breath or urine for determining alcoholic or drug usage. A conviction of driving under the influence can result in a fine of no more than $250
Gutierrez said the California Highway Patrol has no discretion or input to penalties given to drivers.
“The point of note for DUI is that if the device being ridden does not require a license (i.e. bicycle), no DMV administrative penalties would be taken against the violator, but the criminal penalties would still apply,” Gutierrez said.
If the driver is between the ages of 13 to 20 years old and convicted of operating a bicycle while under the influence, their driving privileges may be suspended or delayed for one year once they are eligible to obtain their license, Gutierrez said. This does not pertain to drivers of electric scooters.
As for drivers of golf carts, drivers are subject to the same DUI laws as other vehicles and a driver can be arrested for driving under the influence. If an arrest occurs traditional DUI penalties including fines, probation, driver’s license suspension, mandatory alcohol education, community labor and/or jail time, according to Park Law Center.
Is driving a non-car while intoxicated dangerous?
Being under the influence impairs a person’s motor skills, reaction time and judgment, said Gutierrez.
“The vehicle/device you are operating comes second to the importance of your safety, and that depends on your sobriety and the sobriety of the people around you,” said Gutierrez.
For bicyclists in California, 1,106 people were struck and killed by vehicles in 2023, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
In California, there were an estimated 50,000 emergency department visits associated with electric scooter accidents in 2022 alone, according to data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Nationwide, hospitalizations for scooter-related injuries increased by nearly three-fold from 2016 to 2020, and more than half of those injured underwent major operations, according to a news release by the American College of Surgeons.
Patients who sustained injuries related to scooters were more likely to be under the age of 18
Unlike people driving or riding in vehicles with seat belts, airbags and other safety features, drivers of non-car vehicles and pedestrians do not have the same level of protection and are more vulnerable every time they are on the road, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
This story was originally published February 11, 2026 at 7:00 AM with the headline "Can riding an electric scooter drunk get you jail time? Golf cart? Bicycle?."
