Drink driving does not only cause serious self-injuries but can land you into legal problems. Can you get a DUI on a bike? Yes, It is a question many people still don’t understand. Normally people think it’s only a problem when drunk driving a vehicle, little did they know they could face legal consequences when driving a bike drunk.
You wouldn’t think you could be in trouble after you went out with your friends riding your bikes and decided to get a drink, got drunk, and ride back, huh! You are wrong, unfortunately, you can be charged for driving under the influence. However, each state has different laws, and they state them differently.
What is Driving Under the Influence[ DUI]
Driving under the influence simply means driving a motor vehicle or motorcycle while intoxicated with any drug substance. Driving under the influence can significantly endanger the lives of people around you, yourself, people on the road you might even land on the wrong side of the law.
You might know you can only be charged for DUI when driving a motor vehicle. You’re wrong, even driving a bike when under the influence of drugs is an offense in other states. For example, other states have limited laws for DUI, like for cars and motorcycles, and not manual bicycles because they don’t use engines.
On the other hand, some have included bicycles as motor cars, so you will be in trouble when caught with a DUI. However, you might escape the charges of DUI, but find yourself being charged with public intoxication. It is common sense and not safe to operate a transportation method while intoxicated, not only will you endanger yourself but also other road users. CDC shows that at least a third of bicycle accidents leading to death are a result of alcohol.
Biking Under The Influence[DUI]
Can you get Dui on a bike? Yes, although it depends on which state you’re in. Over the years, DUI laws have been reviewed and they are evolving as there are still many bicycle accidents recorded caused by substance abuse. Intoxicated driving is still a disaster in the United States of America as the National Traffic Safety Administration records 1.5 million DUI arrests annually.
From 2012 to 2021 at least 10,850 lives have been lost through motor vehicle crashes and 34% of bicycle accidents are caused by intoxicated driving. Most states prohibit DUI or DWI and it’s illegal to drive when your blood alcohol concentration exceeds the limit of the state.
Each state has a % of blood alcohol concentration, and once you exceed the per se intoxication you will be charged and no further tests can be done. Once a police officer suspects you’ve been driving under the influence, they can tell you to conduct sobriety and chemical tests to know how intoxicated you are.
This applies even when you are on a bicycle they take blood samples, urine, and breath tests to determine if you’re under the influence.
Can You Get a DUI on an Electric Bike?
Yes, but it also depends on the state you’re coming from. Initially, you’re not supposed to be drunk when operating a transport vessel. Like any other vehicle, electric bikes can land you in trouble with the law once you get caught. Depending on the state you’re coming from, you might not be charged with DUI but with public intoxication, which is also an offense.
Factual Statistics on Drunk Driving and Bike Accidents
The report shows that over 700 people lose their lives through traffic collisions annually. Among the deceased, was found with a blood alcohol concentration(BAC) of 0.8% and above in Florida estate. Here are some further facts about drunk driving bank accidents recorded.
- If a biker is injured in a DUI bicycle accident, after they’ve gone to the hospital, the medical bills become expensive.
- Cycling with a blood alcohol concentration of over 0.8% has increased potential accidents by 2000%
- When drunk driving, bicycle riders have higher rates of getting injured after consuming just one drink.
- Many bike riders rarely wear helmets and biking gear when cycling at night, and they perfectly know they are intoxicated.
- Most bike accident victims experience serious head injuries since they don’t wear helmets when riding.
- Over the number of bike collisions, adults over 20 years are leading compared to children biking accidents.
What Are The Repercussions When You’re Caught with DWhileile Bike Riding
When bike riding with DUI you may not only face charges but also ruin your life as you might serve a sentence and huge fines. However, biking under the influence doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get the same sentence as those with a DUI in a car. They are all determined as misdemeanors but when bike riding you at least won’t get a license suspension.
If you find yourself in jail, you can be locked up for at least 1 year maximum. Your jail term also depends if you had previous DUI convictions or aggravating factors.
This might lead to a longer jail term and sometimes it can be concluded as a felony. If charged you can get a bail or bond if it’s a first-time DUI offense and the average bail amount is $500-$10,000.
Misdemeanor can negatively affect your life as you might be asked about it when you’re seeking a job, or want to join college. Some facilities may start an investigation about it thus leading to DUI convictions marked as a permanent record.
There are also penalties when found bike Driving under the influence such as probation, and community service, depending on the severity. Public intoxication can lead to fines from $500 to $2500.
What States Can You Get DUI on a Bike?
Here are some of the states where you can receive a DUI on a bike.
- Alabama
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Indiana
- Maryland
- New Hampshire
- Utah
- Texas
- Oregon
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Wyoming
It’s important to note the states with DUI regulations for cyclists so that if you find yourself in these states, you’ll be cautious or avoid drunk riding.
Can I get Da UI on a Bike in Florida?
Yes, you could be charged or arrested for driving under the influence of a bicycle while in Florida. The state statute on driving under the influence applies to everyone driving, from bicycles to, scooters to motor vehicles. When found with excessive blood alcohol concentration(BAC) surpassing the legal limit, you will be charged. You risk 6 months in jail and a maximum fine of $1000.
