04 Mar Don’t Drink and Bike: It Could Land You a DUI in Phoenix
Alcohol and drugs can severely impair your reflexes and your ability to make decisions. That is what makes driving under the influence so dangerous. Driving while impaired is illegal in Arizona, but vehicles are not limited to cars and trucks. Arizona’s DUI laws apply to any type of motorized vehicles—including bicycles.
Can You Get a DUI for Riding a Bike in Phoenix?
Yes, you can indeed be arrested for riding a bike while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Bicycles that have a motor—either gas-powered or electric—are considered vehicles in the state of Arizona. That means you can be arrested and charged with a DUI if caught riding under the influence.
If you are riding a manual bike (one with only pedal power) you cannot be charged with a DUI. However, you may be asked to stop by law enforcement, or even arrested for endangering others. In Arizona, endangerment is defined as recklessly putting another person at risk of death or injury. For cyclists under the influence, this can look like swaying on their bike, failing to signal, failing to have proper lighting, or any other actions that could cause an accident with vehicles or pedestrians.
Consequences of a Bike DUI in Arizona
The consequences of a DUI will depend on several factors, including the number of previous convictions and whether or not someone was hurt. DUIs specifically have defined guidelines for their consequences.
Manual Bike Consequences
While you cannot be charged with a DUI on a pedal bike, you can be charged with endangerment. Endangerment crimes that have a substantial risk of imminent death are a class 6 felony, while the rest are class 1 misdemeanors.
Class 6 Felonies:
- 3 months to almost 6 years in prison.
- The loss of certain rights. For example, you are no longer able to obtain a CDL or other professional licenses, possess a firearm, or be eligible for public assistance.
Class 1 Misdemeanors:
- 3 years on probation
- Up to 180 days in jail
- Up to $2,500 in fines
Motorized Bike Consequences
Since you can be charged with a DUI if you are on a motorized bicycle, the consequences would be the same as if you were driving a car or truck. Any previous DUIs will count against you and make the penalties more severe. While a DUI is typically a class 1 misdemeanor, it can be upgraded to a felony in some cases.
Consequences for a blood alcohol level of 0.08 to 0.14:
- Jail terms of 10 days for a first offense, and 90 days for two or more offenses
- Fines no less than $1,250 for first offenses, and no less than $3,000 for two or more offenses
- Drug and alcohol screenings, treatment, rehabilitation, or other programs
- May only operate vehicles with an interlock device
- 12-month revocation of drivers license for two or more offenses
Consequences for a blood alcohol level of over 0.15, or a positive drug test:
- Jail terms of a minimum of 30 days for first-time offenders or 120 days for two or more offenses
- Fines no less than $2,500 for first offenders, and $3,250 for a two or more offenses
- Drug and alcohol screenings, treatments, rehabilitation, or other programs
- May only operate vehicles with an interlock device
- 12-month revocation of drivers license for two or more offenses
Criminal Defense Lawyer for DUIs in Phoenix
If you have been charged with DUI, either on a bike or in a car, you need legal representation. A certified criminal defense attorney will help you fight those charges and secure the best outcome possible. Todd Coolidge has over 25 years of experience defending clients against DUI charges and other criminal offenses, and he fights to win. If you are facing DUI charges, contact the Coolidge Law firm today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (3/4/25). Photo by Matthew Osborn on Unsplash