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Drunk biking is a criminal offense

On Behalf of | Jan 20, 2022 | DUI Defense

People automatically assume that a drunk driving charge will apply only when they’re driving a motor vehicle. That’s not the case in Pennsylvania. This is one state that applies drunk driving laws to individuals who are on bicycles. 

Even if the police officer doesn’t charge you with a drunk driving offense for being on your bicycle while you’re impaired, there’s a chance that another charge, such as public drunkenness, might apply. The bottom line is that you should try to find another way home if you’ve been drinking. 

How is biking under the influence determined?

Police officers use the same standards to determine if a person on a bike is drunk. Chemical tests and standardized field sobriety tests are useful in these cases. The blood alcohol concentration is used to determine which of the three tiers your case falls into:

  • General impairment: .08 to .099 percent
  • High BAC: .10 to .159 percent
  • Highest BAC: .16 percent and higher

The penalties for drunk biking are the same as for drunk driving so you’re facing a license suspension, fines, and other penalties. These vary depending on whether it’s your first drunk driving charge or a subsequent one. 

Anyone who’s facing a drunk biking charge should take it as seriously as a drunk driving charge. These cases come with considerable penalties that can have an impact on the rest of your life. Learn your options so you can make decisions based on what you feel is best for your situation. Having someone on your side who’s familiar with these laws is beneficial so you can determine how each option will impact you. 

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