Can You Get a DUI While Riding a Bike?

A “DUI” is defined by the motor vehicle code, or criminal penal code, of each and every individual state, and as such the definition varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. The primary distinction involves the definition of the term “vehicle”. Most states define a vehicle as a “motor vehicle”, including motor bikes, scooters and motor boats.
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A minority of states such as Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Florida and Hawaii have a broad definition of what constitutes a vehicle which includes any and all devices that are capable of transporting people. Some states such as South Dakota explicitly include bicycles in their definitions of vehicles in their wording of DUI offenses. Other states such as California do not include non motorized bikes in their DUI laws, but have other laws that specifically make riding a non motorized bicycle while intoxicated illegal.

Biking DUI Laws by State

Here is a list of all states and if you can receive a DUI while riding intoxicated:

StateReceive DUI while riding a bike
AlabamaYes
AlaskaNo
ArizonaNo
ArkansasNo
CaliforniaNo, but there is a separate law that makes driving a bike while impaired illegal
ColoradoYes
ConnecticutYes
DelawareNo
District of ColumbiaYes
FloridaYes
GeorgiaYes
HawaiiYes
IdahoYes
IllinoisNo
IndianaYes
IowaNo
KansasNo
KentuckyNo
LouisianaNo
MaineNo
MarylandYes
MassachusettsNo
MichiganNo
MinnesotaNo
MississippiYes
MissouriNo
MontanaNo
NebraskaNo
NevadaNo
New HampshireYes
New JerseyNo
New MexicoNo
New YorkNo
North CarolinaYes
North DakotaYes
OhioYes
OklahomaNo
OregonYes
PennsylvaniaYes
Rhode IslandYes
South CarolinaNo
South DakotaYes
TennesseeNo
TexasYes
UtahYes
VermontNo
VirginiaNo
WashingtonNo
West VirginiaNo
WisconsinNo
WyomingYes
Source: Avvo

Do bikes need a State License?

Keep in mind that bikes don’t require a state license to operate. Whereas, motor vehicles require driving licenses which are considered by the state to be a privilege to possess, and not a fundamental right. This is an important legal distinction and the likely reason why some DUI laws don’t apply to non motorized bikes. 

Clearly, the common bike is less dangerous than a motor car or motor cycle. They weigh less and don’t go nearly as fast, and the risk of harm to the driver and general public is minimal. Therefore, the public safety risks and concerns associated with drunken bike operators is far less than with their motor vehicle counterparts.

On the other hand, when non motorized bicycles are operated on public streets and thoroughfares they are subject to many of the same laws, rules and ordinances as the motor vehicles they share the road with, and their safe operation impacts not only themselves but others on the street as well. That is why a variety of states make distinctions between bikes driven on public streets and highways as opposed to residential, or rural areas. 

In many large cities such as New York and Chicago hundreds of bicycles and non motorized vehicles are employed by a variety of delivery businesses and operate in downtown traffic. Safety surrounding these bikes is a paramount concern, and operating in these conditions while intoxicated would be extremely dangerous to not only bikers, but also to pedestrians and motor vehicle operators.        

Also, most states that do have DUI laws against riding bikes while intoxicated apply the same .08 (BAC) blood alcohol content level requirements as is applied to motor vehicle operators. 

In conclusion, please be aware that although you may not be arrested for DUI, every state has laws against public intoxication, and public drunkenness, and you may get in trouble with the law while riding a bike while drunk.  

DUI Resources

DUI Resources

DUI Resources is a website dedicated to providing help and information to individuals who were arrested under the suspicion of driving under the influence.
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