Riding a bicycle can be a great way to stay healthy, reduce your carbon footprint, and enjoy the outdoors. However, just like operating a motor vehicle, there are rules and regulations that cyclists must follow to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the road. Some riders unfortunately have the misconception that it’s impossible to get a DUI on a bike. However, that is the opposite of the truth. In Maryland, just like in many other states, it is possible to receive a DUI on a bike.
Bicyclists Can Get DUIs
Maryland’s DUI laws apply not only to motor vehicles but also to bicycles. If you are caught riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you could face legal consequences just like you would in a car. Riding a bicycle under the influence is a serious offense that can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Maryland law prohibits anyone from operating a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a law enforcement officer suspects that you are riding a bicycle while impaired, they can stop you and conduct field sobriety tests, just like they would for a motorist. If you fail these tests or refuse to take them, you can be arrested for DUI on a bike.
What Are the Possible Penalties for a DUI on a Bike?
The penalties for a DUI on a bike in Maryland can vary depending on the circumstances of the offense and whether it is your first time being charged with a DUI. For a first-time DUI on a bike offense, you may face fines of up to $500 and a maximum of 2 months in jail. Additionally, your driver’s license can be suspended, even though you were not operating a motor vehicle at the time of the offense. Subsequent offenses can result in higher fines, longer jail sentences, and a longer license suspension period.
It’s important to note that a DUI on a bike can have long-lasting consequences beyond legal penalties. A DUI conviction can be a mark on your criminal record, which might make it difficult to find employment or work in certain industries. It can also lead to increased insurance premiums if you own a motor vehicle.
Contact Mobley & Brown, LLP for Help With Your DUI Case
If you have been arrested at a DUI checkpoint in Maryland or for a DUI on a bike, you need the right legal assistance. Our experienced legal team is looking forward to working with you to meet your needs. Call us now at (410) 385-0398.
