Can You Get a DUI on a Bike?

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by David Em
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You can get a DUI on a bike in some places and not in others. Learn the different bicycle DUI laws depending on where you live.

DUI stands for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

States have legal limits. If you’re beyond the limit, you can face a consequence.

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It depends on the state. Examples include an arrest, fines, suspended license, or court appearance.

If you want to avoid a DUI, you may consider riding a bicycle.

Person riding a bicycle at night on a city street.
Photo courtesy of Canva.

The offense only applies to vehicles, but it varies by state.

The following is your guide to riding a bike while under the influence.

You’ll also learn where it’s legal and what can happen if you’re caught.

How DUI laws are defined for bicycles

Driving under the influence is a criminal driving offense in all states.

Law enforcement can charge you by doing a breathalyzer or blood test. The federal blood-alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%.

The laws around it vary by state, as some have a lower legal BAC limit.

Also, some can charge you without testing your BAC. Scenarios include underage drinking or dangerous driving and failing a sobriety test.

With that said, DUI laws apply to vehicles.

So, you can only get a DUI on a bike if you live in a state that considers bicycles as vehicles.

Bicycle DUI laws by state

The following table covers every state in the United States and if they apply DUI laws to bicycles.

StateDo DUI laws apply to bicycles in the state?
AlabamaYes, because Alabama considers bicycles as vehicles.
AlaskaNo, because Alaska doesn’t consider a bike as a vehicle.
ArizonaNo, because Arizona doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
ArkansasNo, because Arkansas doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles. But, you can get cited for public drunkenness.
CaliforniaNo, because California doesn’t include bicycles under DUI laws. But, other laws make it illegal to ride a bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the state.
ColoradoYes, because Colorado considers bicycles as vehicles.
ConnecticutYes, because Connecticut considers bikes as vehicles.
DelawareNo, DUI laws don’t apply to bikes in Delaware. But, it’s illegal to ride a bicycle on highways under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
District of ColumbiaYes, because the District of Columbia considers bicycles as vehicles.
FloridaYes, because Florida considers bikes as vehicles.
GeorgiaYes, because bicycles are vehicles under Georgia laws.
HawaiiYes, because Hawaii considers bikes as vehicles.
IdahoYes, because bikes are vehicles under Idaho laws.
IllinoisNo, because Illinois doesn’t consider bicycles as vehicles.
IndianaYes, because bicycles are vehicles under Indiana laws.
IowaNo, because Iowa doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
KansasNo, because bicycles aren’t vehicles under Kansas laws.
KentuckyNo, DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles in Kentucky. But, other laws prohibit riding a bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
LouisianaNo, because Louisiana doesn’t consider bikes as motorized vehicles. But, you can get cited for public drunkenness.
MaineNo, because Maine’s DUI laws apply to motor vehicles.
MarylandYes, because Maryland DUI laws apply to bicycles.
MassachusettsNo, because Massachusetts doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
MichiganNo, because Michigan DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
MinnesotaNo, because Minnesota doesn’t consider bicycles as vehicles.
MississippiYes, because Mississippi considers bikes as vehicles.
MissouriNo, Missouri DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
MontanaNo, Montana doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
NebraskaNo, Nebraska DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
NevadaNo, bicycles aren’t vehicles in Nevada.
New HampshireYes, because New Hampshire DUI laws apply to bicycles.
New JerseyNo, New Jersey DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
New MexicoNo, New Mexico doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
New YorkNo, New York DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
North CarolinaYes, North Carolina considers bikes as vehicles.
North DakotaYes, because North Dakota DUI laws apply to bicycles.
OhioYes, because Ohio considers bikes as vehicles.
OklahomaNo, because Oklahoma DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
OregonYes, Oregon DUI laws apply to bicycles.
PennsylvaniaYes, because Pennsylvania considers bikes as vehicles.
Rhode IslandYes, Rhode Island DUI laws apply to bikes.
South CarolinaNo, because South Carolina doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
South DakotaYes, DUI laws apply to bikes in South Dakota.
TennesseeNo, Tennessee DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
TexasYes, Texas DUI laws apply to bicycles.
UtahYes, because Utah considers bicycles as vehicles.
VermontNo, Vermont DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
VirginiaNo, because Virginia doesn’t consider bicycles as vehicles.
WashingtonNo, because Washington doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles. But, law enforcement can drive the rider to a safe place, release the person to a competent person, or impound the bike free of charge.
West VirginiaYes, West Virginia DUI laws apply to bicycles.
WisconsinNo, Wisconsin DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
WyomingYes, Wyoming DUI laws apply to bikes.

Are electric bikes classified as vehicles?

Electric bikes aren’t considered vehicles.

Instead, they have three classes. The classes depend on the power and speed.

You can ride an e-bike on roadways and bike lanes. They’re also allowed on some highways and trails.

DUI on a bike penalties

If you live in a state where DUI laws apply to bicycles, you can get in trouble.

The penalties include jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, or community service.

Also, it may appear on your record as a DUI.

If you get a DUI on a bike, deal with the charges or consult with a lawyer.

Bottom line

While most states won’t charge you with a DUI on a bike, it’s essential to practice safe habits.

If you plan to drink or do drugs, find someone to give you a ride home.

If you ride your bike, be extra careful. You can also ask a police officer to drive you to a safe place.

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Featured image courtesy of Canva.

Portrait of David Em.

About David Em

David Em is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Hello E-Bikes, the destination for electric bike reviews, comparisons, gear, and tips.

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