Wednesday, July 16, 2014


101 Things

An Author Needs to Know

About the Police and the Law

Can I get a DUI on a bicycle?

Yes.

In most states you can lose your driver’s license if you are riding a bicycle impaired, even though a bicycle is not motor powered.  The reasoning is that you are not in control of moving equipment and could swerve into the road and cause a motor vehicle accident or pedestrian injury.   Or even property damage.

Also if you’re riding your bike without safety equipment, such as a working headlight, you can be stopped by law enforcement and issued a civil citation.  Once the officer has you stopped, just like a motor vehicle stop, he can engage you and conduct a DUI investigation if he observes any signs or indications of impairment.  

Some states use DUI, driving under the influence, which covers alcohol and drugs.  Some states use DWI, driving while impaired.  Same street, different corner.

By the way, the penalty for operating a boat while impaired is the same as for operating a motor vehicle and you can lose your driver’s license.

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