Can You Get a DUI on a Bike in Seattle?

By Thomas S. Peters

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DUI

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Last Modified on Sep 19, 2025

Have you ever wondered, “Can you get a DUI on a bike in Seattle?” It’s not the most straightforward of questions to answer, but we can provide you with some clarification. Perhaps you find cycling to be an inexpensive alternative to driving home from the bar. There are some things you should know, though, before you ride your bike under the influence.

First, if you are bicycling while intoxicated, there can be legal repercussions, especially if you are detected by law enforcement. If you cause an accident or are involved in an accident, you can be held liable. Anyone who recently learned of this firsthand should probably hire a DUI lawyer in Seattle.

The Likelihood of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents occur more often than most people realize, and with cyclists who are sober. Bike accidents and pedestrian collisions in Seattle make up 7% of all crashes. However, bike accidents and pedestrian collisions make up 46% of all fatalities. Furthermore, 9 out of 10 bicyclists report collision injuries. Adding impaired bicyclists to the roads will only exacerbate these numbers.

What Does the Law Say?

The Revised Code of Washington, article 46.61.790, titled “Intoxicated bicyclist,” explains a few different options a police officer has if they encounter a bicyclist walking or moving in line with the flow of traffic on a roadway who appears to be under the influence of alcohol or another drug:

• The law-enforcement officer may offer to provide a ride to transport the cyclist to a safe place.
• The law enforcement officer may release the intoxicated cyclist to a competent person with the understanding that the cyclist may no longer continue riding their bike.
• The law-enforcement officer may take the rider into protective custody.

The law-enforcement officer may impound an intoxicated cyclist’s bicycle if they find it necessary to avoid any threat to public safety. In this event, the officer must provide written notice regarding where the bicycle is being impounded and how the cyclist may reclaim their bicycle. Furthermore, there shall be no fee associated with reclaiming a bicycle impounded by a law-enforcement officer.

The bicycle may be reclaimed by the rider once they no longer appear to be intoxicated. If they cannot reclaim their bike, another individual may recover the bicycle on their behalf if they can establish ownership. If the bicycle is not retrieved within 30 days, it can be subject to sale or disposal according to the procedures of the agency.

There have been several bicycle accident fatalities in the Seattle area, namely in downtown areas. One area that seems to have repeated bike fatalities is the bustling arts and industry block at 2nd Avenue and University Street, despite ample bike lanes. Another common spot for bicycle accident fatalities is the intersection of Melrose Avenue and Pine Street, where nightclubs and restaurants stay open until midnight, but bike lanes are limited.

When you bike while intoxicated, your and others’ safety is at risk. If you plan on cycling home after drinking in these areas, consider taking a rideshare instead.

Can You Get a DUI on a Bike in Seattle?

While biking under the influence alone will not get you a DUI charge or any other type of traffic ticket, for that matter, it can have repercussions. It may be a seemingly clever alternative to getting behind the wheel and getting a DUI, but it can be difficult to react when riding your bicycle if you are intoxicated. You could also lose your bicycle. If it is your only mode of transportation, you should consider not jeopardizing your property.

Why Choose Us?

Even though you can’t get a DUI on a bike in Seattle, if you’ve been involved in an accident and you were impaired, you should speak to a DUI attorney. If you need to hire a DUI lawyer regarding your or someone else’s impaired bicycle accident, Peters Associates, LLC, can inform you of any Seattle DUI laws that might be relevant to your case. We have handled countless DUI cases and can provide you with the proper legal advice you need in your situation.

FAQs About DUI on a Bike in Seattle

If you have a specific question regarding bicycle riding while intoxicated or DUI charges, or need legal representation for a DUI-related case, call Peters Associates, LLC. Our knowledgeable lawyers know DUI laws in Seattle and all of Washington. Contact us and schedule an appointment to discuss your legal issues.