Can You Get a DUI on a Bike?

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.

Related article: Electric Bicycle Maintenance Guide

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.

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.

State	Do DUI laws apply to bicycles in the state?
Alabama	Yes, because Alabama considers bicycles as vehicles.
Alaska	No, because Alaska doesn’t consider a bike as a vehicle.
Arizona	No, because Arizona doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
Arkansas	No, because Arkansas doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles. But, you can get cited for public drunkenness.
California	No, 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.
Colorado	Yes, because Colorado considers bicycles as vehicles.
Connecticut	Yes, because Connecticut considers bikes as vehicles.
Delaware	No, 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 Columbia	Yes, because the District of Columbia considers bicycles as vehicles.
Florida	Yes, because Florida considers bikes as vehicles.
Georgia	Yes, because bicycles are vehicles under Georgia laws.
Hawaii	Yes, because Hawaii considers bikes as vehicles.
Idaho	Yes, because bikes are vehicles under Idaho laws.
Illinois	No, because Illinois doesn’t consider bicycles as vehicles.
Indiana	Yes, because bicycles are vehicles under Indiana laws.
Iowa	No, because Iowa doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
Kansas	No, because bicycles aren’t vehicles under Kansas laws.
Kentucky	No, DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles in Kentucky. But, other laws prohibit riding a bike under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Louisiana	No, because Louisiana doesn’t consider bikes as motorized vehicles. But, you can get cited for public drunkenness.
Maine	No, because Maine’s DUI laws apply to motor vehicles.
Maryland	Yes, because Maryland DUI laws apply to bicycles.
Massachusetts	No, because Massachusetts doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
Michigan	No, because Michigan DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
Minnesota	No, because Minnesota doesn’t consider bicycles as vehicles.
Mississippi	Yes, because Mississippi considers bikes as vehicles.
Missouri	No, Missouri DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
Montana	No, Montana doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
Nebraska	No, Nebraska DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
Nevada	No, bicycles aren’t vehicles in Nevada.
New Hampshire	Yes, because New Hampshire DUI laws apply to bicycles.
New Jersey	No, New Jersey DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
New Mexico	No, New Mexico doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
New York	No, New York DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
North Carolina	Yes, North Carolina considers bikes as vehicles.
North Dakota	Yes, because North Dakota DUI laws apply to bicycles.
Ohio	Yes, because Ohio considers bikes as vehicles.
Oklahoma	No, because Oklahoma DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
Oregon	Yes, Oregon DUI laws apply to bicycles.
Pennsylvania	Yes, because Pennsylvania considers bikes as vehicles.
Rhode Island	Yes, Rhode Island DUI laws apply to bikes.
South Carolina	No, because South Carolina doesn’t consider bikes as vehicles.
South Dakota	Yes, DUI laws apply to bikes in South Dakota.
Tennessee	No, Tennessee DUI laws don’t apply to bicycles.
Texas	Yes, Texas DUI laws apply to bicycles.
Utah	Yes, because Utah considers bicycles as vehicles.
Vermont	No, Vermont DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
Virginia	No, because Virginia doesn’t consider bicycles as vehicles.
Washington	No, 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 Virginia	Yes, West Virginia DUI laws apply to bicycles.
Wisconsin	No, Wisconsin DUI laws don’t apply to bikes.
Wyoming	Yes, 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.

Related articles:

• The Best Hydration Packs for Cycling
• The Best Roof-Mounted Bike Racks
• The Strongest Bike Locks to Prevent Theft

Featured image courtesy of Canva.