Police are warning e-scooter riders to rethink drinking and riding after a man lost his driver’s licence for being caught over the limit.
A 32-year-old Fitzroy North man riding a trial-operated e-scooter was intercepted by State Highway Patrol at the intersection of Lonsdale Street and Exhibition Street in Melbourne’s CBD, around 5.45pm on Friday 28 July 2023.
The rider allegedly returned a breath alcohol reading of 0.133 – almost three times the legal limit.
The man’s driver’s licence was immediately disqualified for 13 months, and he was fined $817.
He was also fined for not wearing a helmet, a further $240 penalty.
E-scooter riders caught with a blood alcohol limit over 0.05 can lose their driver’s licence with the penalties the same as if they were in charge of a car.
Police were enforcing in Melbourne’s CBD as part of Operation Halo, a road policing initiative focused on addressing the behaviour that leads to trauma among our most vulnerable road users.
This includes vehicles blocking bike lanes and failing to give way at pedestrian crossings, as well as distraction offences, speed and impaired driving.
Operation Halo is being conducted in areas of high traffic where lots of people are walking and riding – in Melbourne, Yarra, Port Phillip, Merri-bek, Stonnington and Boroondara.
The operation continues throughout August and September.
Quotes attributable to Road Policing Operations and Investigations Division Superintendent, John Fitzpatrick:
“This incident should serve as a lesson to all e-scooter riders that you are not immune from the drink driving laws applicable to other motorists.
“Many people may not be aware you can and will lose your driver’s licence if you are caught riding an e-scooter over the legal alcohol limit.
“Alarmingly, this rider was also caught not wearing a helmet – he was lucky to not be seriously injured given he was riding while impaired.
“Nobody should be getting behind the wheel of any vehicle if they’ve been drinking and over the limit – there are so many alternative transport options available in the CBD to ensure you make it home safely.
“We will continue to be on the lookout for behaviour that puts other road users at risk.
