Court Fines Kickboard Rider 5 Million Won for Refusing 'Breathalyzer Test'... "Is This a Vehicle?"

by Choi Sukjin

Published 31 Dec.2020 10:21(KST)

Shared electric scooter. (Not directly related to the article content) [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Seok-jin] A man in his 30s who was caught riding an electric scooter while intoxicated and refused a breathalyzer test was sentenced to a fine.

On the 31st, Jeong Moon-sik, Chief Judge of the Criminal Division 1 at Chuncheon District Court, announced that he sentenced A (37), who was indicted for violating the Road Traffic Act (refusal to take a breathalyzer test), to a fine of 5 million won.

Judge Jeong pointed out, "The defendant committed the crime again despite having two prior convictions for drunk driving," and added, "This behavior is worse than drunk driving because it can nullify the police officers' efforts to ensure safe and smooth traffic."

He further explained the sentencing rationale, stating, "However, considering that the electric scooter used in the crime falls under a personal mobility device excluded from criminal penalties under the revised Road Traffic Act that took effect on December 10, the sentence was adjusted accordingly."

A was brought to trial on charges of refusing a breathalyzer test after police officers, who saw him riding a scooter in Hongcheon on July 15 with a flushed face and staggering, requested the test but he did not comply.

At the time, A was also investigated for verbally abusing the police officers during the crackdown, reportedly saying, "Is this a vehicle? Stop talking nonsense," while cursing at them.