The dangers of a drunk driving charge cannot be overstated. A DUI or other drunk driving conviction can easily have a serious, negative impact on your life, with consequences ranging from fines to license suspension and even jail time. Of course, these penalties and charges are not in place without good reason. They serve to deter individuals from attempting to drive while impaired by alcohol, wherein they could cause harm to themselves or others.
Because these laws are as much for the safety of the operator as the other drivers, they extend to nearly any form of transportation. Many people know that it is illegal to operate heavy machinery or motor vehicles while under the influence of alcohol, but did you know that you could be arrested for biking while drunk? You may think that bikes are not capable of the same type of damage as motor vehicles, so drunk biking is not a big deal. However, the law would disagree with you.
The truth is that even if drunk biking is not capable of causing the type of property damage or physical damage to other vehicles and drivers that motor vehicles are, they can still cause injuries. The biker operating under the influence is putting himself or herself at risk, and they could also injure pedestrians depending on where they are riding.
Laws vary from state to state about just how much drunk driving charges can apply to bikes, so it is important to know the laws in your state. Florida residents are encouraged not to ride their bikes while impaired by alcohol, as the risk of a dui charge is simply not worth it. If you are accused of biking while drunk, it is in your best interests to consult with an attorney.
