Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Can a bicyclist be charged with DWI in Minnesota?

A recent informal survey taken at the University of Minnesota indicates that many students at the U may believe that drinking and riding a bicycle could lead to driving while impaired charges in Minnesota. Generally, the Minnesota DWI statutes do not apply to a bicycle, if the bike is powered solely by a human being.

In other words, a bicycle is not considered a motor vehicle for the purposes of Minnesota DWI laws, provided the bike has no type of motor to propel the bike. But if someone were to slap some kind of motor on a typical bike, or purchase what many call a “moped,” the definition of a motor vehicle may become a criminal defense argument in court.

State laws differ on whether or not law enforcement or prosecutors can charge a bike rider with DWI. For instance, in California riding a bike under the influence is considered an infraction, which is fairly comparable to a petty misdemeanor in Minnesota. Minnesota has not made biking under the influence a crime, nor a petty offense. A petty misdemeanor in Minnesota generally is punishable only through a fine, with no exposure to potential jail time.

Despite the idea that a non-motorized bicycle is not covered under Minnesota’s DWI laws, bicyclists still must obey the general traffic laws to avoid being cited for some type of offense. Obviously, if the authorities wish to find something to pursue after stopping a bicyclist who law enforcement believes is under the influence, other laws may come into play.

The recent informal survey, discussed in the Minnesota Daily, included roughly 60 students at the U of M. Minnesota law prohibits underage drinking and underage possession of alcohol. Any students who are under the age of 21 could possibly face charges for an alleged alcohol offense, even while riding a bicycle.

The interplay of traffic laws, DWI and implied consent laws, and alcohol offense laws is complex. Anyone facing criminal charges in Minnesota can learn how the alleged facts apply to the law and what defenses may be available in an individual case through consulting with an experienced Minneapolis/St. Paul criminal defense lawyer.

Source: Minnesota Daily, “Biking drunk is legal – a surprise to many students,” Bryna Godar, June 20, 2012

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.