Riding your bike home after a few drinks might seem like a safer, more responsible alternative to driving a car. But is it legal? If you’re pedaling yourself home from the bar, you might be wondering: Can you get a DUI on a bike in Minnesota?
The short answer: No, you cannot get a traditional DUI on a bicycle in Minnesota. But that doesn’t mean you’re completely in the clear. Let’s break it down.
What Minnesota Law Says About DUIs
Minnesota’s DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) or DUI (Driving Under the Influence) laws are primarily written with motor vehicles in mind. According to state statute §169A.20, it is illegal to drive, operate or be in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or a combination of both.
A bicycle? Not a motor vehicle.
That means if you’re riding a regular pedal bike, you technically can’t be charged with a DUI under Minnesota’s DWI statutes.
But Don’t Get Too Comfortable
Just because you can’t get a traditional DUI on a bike doesn’t mean biking while intoxicated is a good (or legal) idea. Here’s why:
1. Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct
Minnesota doesn’t have a specific law against public intoxication, but if your behavior while riding a bike is erratic, threatening, or causing a disturbance, you could be cited for disorderly conduct or other local ordinances.
2. Traffic Violations Still Apply
Bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as motorists. If you blow through stop signs, ride into oncoming traffic, or cause an accident while intoxicated, you could be ticketed (or worse).
3. Endangering Yourself and Others
An impaired cyclist is a danger not just to themselves but also to pedestrians and drivers. Riding while intoxicated increases your risk of crashes and injuries. Some officers may detain you for your own safety or issue citations for reckless behavior.
If you got into some trouble for biking under the influence, let our Minnesota DUI Lawyers help you.
What About E-Bikes and Motorized Scooters?
Now we’re entering a gray area.
Minnesota defines motorized bicycles and electric-assisted bicycles separately. Some of these can be considered motor vehicles depending on their specs (especially if they go faster than 20 mph without pedaling or have higher power output). If you’re riding one of these while intoxicated, you could be subject to DWI laws.
And if you’re on a motorized scooter, especially one rented through an app? Yep, DWIs can apply there too.
Pedal Responsibly
While you’re not going to get a DUI for riding your regular bike home after a few beers in Minnesota, it’s still not a smart move. Your coordination, judgment and reaction time are impaired, and that can lead to dangerous situations.
If you’ve been drinking, consider:
- Taking a cab or rideshare
- Walking (safely and legally)
- Asking a sober friend for a lift
To summarize
In Minnesota, you can’t get a DUI on a regular bicycle because it’s not considered a motor vehicle. But that doesn’t mean you won’t get into trouble for riding drunk. Other laws (like disorderly conduct) can still apply. And if you’re on an e-bike or motorized scooter? That’s a different story.