Cycling drunk: it can get expensive
After a few beers, better take the bike than the car? Careful: you can make yourself liable to prosecution on a bike too. The consequences reach as far as an MPU and even affect your car driving license.
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What you should do now
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1. Know the risk
From 1.6 per mille, criminal proceedings, an MPU and problems with your car driving license threaten.
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2. In case of signs of impairment
As early as 0.3 per mille with abnormalities or an accident, a criminal offense can exist.
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3. Stay silent in an emergency
If accused, make no statement on the matter and engage a defense.
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4. Better push the bike
When in doubt, push the bike or get home another way; that saves a lot of trouble.
Frequently asked questions
At what blood alcohol level is cycling punishable?
From 1.6 per mille, absolute unfitness to drive applies on the bike; that is a criminal offense (§ 316 StGB), as a rule combined with an MPU order and the risk of also losing your car driving license. As early as 0.3 per mille it can be punishable if you show signs of impairment or cause an accident (relative unfitness to drive).
Can I lose my car driving license because of a drunk ride on a bike?
Yes, that is the unpleasant consequence: a drunk ride on a bike (especially from 1.6 per mille) can raise doubts about your fitness to drive. The driving license authority can then require an MPU and, as a result, also withdraw your driving license for the car. That is why alcohol on the bike is by no means harmless.
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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.