Can You Get Slapped With a DUI Offense While Riding a Bike?

Some states treat bicycles as vehicles and punish those caught operating them under the influence with DUI charges. Other states might charge a cyclist with a crime like public intoxication or another offense that is less serious than driving under the influence.
People who are arrested for DUI while riding a bike could face serious penalties that impact their professional and personal lives. These include losing their jobs, facing social stigma, and affecting their insurance rates.
Defining a Bicycle as a Vehicle
Most people are not aware that you can be arrested for DUI while riding a bike. However, it is very possible and depends on how your state laws define bicycles as a vehicle.
Bicycle DUI arrests are usually the result of either an accident or a police officer observing suspicious behavior from a cyclist. Regardless, the bicyclist is likely to undergo a thorough DUI investigation. The bicyclist may be asked to take a breath or blood test to determine their level of intoxication.
Bicycle DUI convictions are less serious than those involving motor vehicles, but they still carry severe penalties. The offender will lose their normal driver’s license and may be subject to fines. Additionally, a criminal record can damage personal relationships and cause problems with future employment opportunities and housing options. It can also increase insurance rates for auto policies. It is very important for anyone facing a bicycle DUI charge to contact an experienced Cincinnati DUI lawyer.
Defining Intoxication
Despite the fact that it is not illegal to cycle while under the influence in every state, cycling while drunk is not generally advisable. This is because drinking and cycling can lead to accidents, which can be very dangerous for both cyclists and others who share the road.
In addition, cycling under the influence can lead to other charges such as public intoxication if the cyclist is visibly drunk. This is especially true during events such as college sporting and social activities, where students often choose to cycle back and forth from alcohol-fueled parties rather than driving.
However, the reality is that you can still get a DUI while riding a bike, even in states where they don’t define bicycles as vehicles. This is because state DUI laws tend to include definitions of “vehicle” that do indeed cover bikes. Additionally, officers can still impound a cyclist’s bike or otherwise prevent them from cycling if they believe that they pose a hazard to themselves and others on the road.
Defining a Bicycle Accident
Many people are surprised to learn that cycling while intoxicated is a real offense with serious legal consequences. A person who is convicted of this offense can face fines and up to six months in jail. In addition, the conviction can affect future employment opportunities and professional licensing or certification. It can also result in social stigma and damage personal relationships.
Nevertheless, the reality is that drunk cyclists cause far fewer accidents than drunk drivers. In fact, some states have laws specifically addressing this issue rather than lumping it in with driving under the influence.
These laws usually treat a DUI while riding a bike the same as a DUI for a driver of a motor vehicle. This means that a first conviction is generally considered a misdemeanor, but that convictions on subsequent occasions could lead to felony charges. In any case, it is important for a bicyclist who has been involved in a DUI accident to gather as much information as possible. This includes the driver’s name and contact information, as well as any other details relevant to the crash.
Punishment
Whether you can get slapped with a DUI offense while riding a bike usually comes down to how state law views bikes – if they are considered vehicles like cars, you could be charged with a DUI. Otherwise, you might be slapped with a less severe charge, such as public intoxication, depending on the officer who pulls you over.
Even though a drunk cyclist typically causes much less havoc than a drunk driver, they can still pose a threat to themselves and others on the road. For this reason, many states treat bicycle DUIs the same as they would a DUI involving a vehicle.
The penalties for a bicycle DUI may include jail time, fines, and possible license suspension or installation of an ignition interlock device. A conviction can also lead to collateral consequences such as social stigma, damage to personal relationships and damaged professional reputations. It is important to contact an experienced DUI attorney who can assist you in fighting these charges.