Riding A Bike Drunk Dui
If you live in one of those states a bicycle dui is a very real possibility.
Riding a bike drunk dui. By riccola voigt attorney this article provides an overview of how dui laws apply to bicycle riders and the consequences of riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Federal law uses the term vehicle instead of motor vehicle so bicycles are included. Book a free consultation. That being said there are states where you can cycle drunk and not get slapped with a duiit usually boils down to how the state law views a bike as in whether.
Unfortunately cycling under the influence is a crime in california. But other states have laws that are lot less restrictive. So while not all states will slap you with a dui for biking under the influence the chances of getting into a more serious accident are raised and you may still get slapped with a fine or another penalty if you are caught. Although this subject seems taboo it is never considered socially correct to drive any vehicle while intoxicated while breezing through a dui checkpoint on my electric bike this thanksgiving thank heavens i was on an electric bike i pondered this exact question.
For example one of the states that is commonly mentioned when discussing the possibility of being arrested for dui offense while riding a bicycle is california. In such cases intoxicated riders may be charged with a dui dwi offense and will follow the same legal process as motor vehicle drivers. In these states drunk bike riders face the same potential legal landmines as any other drunk driver. California laws treat bicyclists the same as they treat individuals who operate motor vehicles with regard to traffic violations and dui offenses.
To find out the laws in your state take a look at the table below. Talk to an experienced criminal lawyer with proven results. Can i get a dwi for riding a bike drunk in virginia. Not in state court because a bike is not defined as a motor vehicle but it is possible to be charged with biking under the influence in a federal park inside virginia though.
So what about riding an electric bike drunk. Any public road or streetnot a freeway and appear to be under the influence of alcohol drugs or a. Is it the same legally as driving a 3 ton truck drunk. For example california treats cyclists the same as any other driver on the road.
The bicycle dui laws and the penalties for riding a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However can a person be charged with a dui for riding a bike drunk. In order to be convicted of this crime you mustve ridden a bike on a public highway ie.