From The Kugel Law Firm – Can You Get a DUI on a Bike? explores the fascinating and complex question of whether riding a bicycle under the influence can lead to a DUI in New Jersey. Drawing on New Jersey’s laws and case scenarios, the episode explains how a traditional bicycle and a motorized bicycle or moped are treated differently under DUI statutes.
We begin by examining how a standard bicycle is legally classified in New Jersey, what rights and responsibilities cyclists have when sharing the road, and how the concept of vehicle operation intersects with intoxication laws. The discussion then moves into a deeper dive: although a manually powered bicycle might not trigger a formal DUI charge, it can lead to other serious outcomes such as disorderly conduct or public intoxication if you ride under the influence.
Then we pivot to motorized bicycles and mopeds — devices with motors, registration requirements, and license thresholds — and how they fall under the same DUI statute as motor vehicles, including the referenced NJ Rev Stat § 39:4‑14.3G. We unpack how Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limits apply, what field sobriety tests may look like for cyclists, and what defenses might be available if you are stopped.
Finally, we highlight why it’s crucial to understand your rights around stops, probable cause, and test validity — whether riding a manual bicycle or a motorized version. This episode offers practical insights on how to avoid unintended legal trouble, how to view enforcement risk, and how understanding these nuances can protect your future.
The Kugel Law Firm
1 Gateway Ctr # 2600, Newark, NJ 07102, United States
(973) 854-0098
https://www.google.com/maps?cid=3822170752710866861
