Canadians: maybe a dumb question...

[guruguhan]

Hi all,

This might be a dumb question, I think I know the answer, but should probably know for sure. Is it illegal to ride home from the bar while under the influence (drunk enough that if you were driving a car you would get charged)? I'm assuming the answer is yes, but just want to be sure. Is this limit higher? :)

No, I'm not drunk now.

[!!Comatoa$ted]

It probably is because by the HWTA a bicycle is considred a road vehicle. I one had a friend get a DUI for riding his bike drunk. That being said I have been told by cops who knew that I was drunk do get on my bike and leave, which I did, and they did not anything. I have repeadetly rode drunk when I was younger, and stupid and never been given a DUI by the cops that have stopped me. I'm glad those days are over.

[chephy]

AFAIK alcohol laws only apply to drivers of motor vehicles in Ontario. However, if you are really drunk and riding so as to present a hazard, public intoxication and/or dangerous operation of vehicle charges may apply.

[guruguhan]

Thanks guys. I have looked through the HTA for all instances of "alcohol" and it only referred to motor vehicles. Other sources, pertaining to my province of Ontario, also don't mention it. I'm not planning on doing this (well I might need to sometime), just want to know if I did do it, if I'd be breaking the law.

[rajman]

Hmm,

I guess if you are looking at it in terms of public safety, you are much more likely to kill yourself than anyone else riding drunk. I tried it once as a teenager - did not get much past the driveway. Apparently balance is pretty important :)

[chephy]

When I have a supper out at a pub I often ride home after a couple of pints. Never had a problem. A litre of beer is not enough to affect my balance. :)

I'm planning a bicycle bar crawl with a bunch of friends before it gets too cold.

[!!Comatoa$ted]

Thanks guys. I have looked through the HTA for all instances of "alcohol" and it only referred to motor vehicles. Other sources, pertaining to my province of Ontario, also don't mention it. I'm not planning on doing this (well I might need to sometime), just want to know if I did do it, if I'd be breaking the law.


It may indicate only motor vehicles but if you are drunk on a boat of any sort they will now take your licence and charge you with DUI.

[cyclezealot]

wonder how the law is affected should you ride on the sidewalk. ?

[cerewa]

It may indicate only motor vehicles but if you are drunk on a boat of any sort they will now take your licence and charge you with DUI.

Many boats are motor vehicles. The ones that aren't... i'd be surprised if the police care.

I would laugh really hard to hear about somebody convicted for "driving under the influence" in a rowboat or canoe.

[amward]

wonder how the law is affected should you ride on the sidewalk. ?

We were taught in driver trainging (here in Ontario) that the DUI applied whether you were on a public highway or not (eg. you could get a DUI for tearing around a farm field on a tractor while intoxicated). So I'd guess it comes back to whether DUI applies to cycling in the first place.

My balance is poor enough sober, that I wouldn't want to risk riding while drunk.

[krazygluon]

Not exactly sure of canadian laws, but I'm sure you can get away with riding drunk at a somewhat higher BAC than you could while driving. Around here 1 beer/serving in less than 1 hour = drunk for most bodyweights...frikkin ridiculous.

[chephy]

It may indicate only motor vehicles but if you are drunk on a boat of any sort they will now take your licence and charge you with DUI. Yes - I just took a look at the HTA: they talk about motor vehicles and vessels! (funny... boats don't go on highways... did I misunderstand something?)

We were taught in driver trainging (here in Ontario) that the DUI applied whether you were on a public highway or not (eg. you could get a DUI for tearing around a farm field on a tractor while intoxicated). Even if that's your own farm? Interesting... I guess that has nothing to do with HTA; there must be sections of the Criminal Code that deal with it, I guess?..

[Gurgus]

I dunno. I rode my chopper through a ride program a month or so ago. The cops didn't even bother to stop me. The bike is pretty noticable, so I know they saw me.

[ajay677]

Yes - I just took a look at the HTA: they talk about motor vehicles and vessels! (funny... boats don't go on highways... did I misunderstand something?)

Even if that's your own farm? Interesting... I guess that has nothing to do with HTA; there must be sections of the Criminal Code that deal with it, I guess?..

Yep. Criminal code would apply rather than HTA.

[0_emissions :=)]

I think this would apply if you're noticably drunk. I've gone on a lot of drunken piss-ups with the boys & gals. Our groups are up to 20 people, and we've never had any troubles. I think riding helps the situation too, because you burn off some of that liquor, which really helps the hangover situation next mornin'...

[GreenGrasshoppr]

I know someone in my hometown (in the province of Quebec) who lost his drivers license for DUI, and subsequently took up riding a bicycle (RUI?) and was also arrested for riding drunk. I dont know the details of the court order, but I'm pretty sure he cant ride drunk anymore, and if he gets caught, he might face jail time.

I've also seen a guy leaving my neighbour's place (in Ontario), so drunk he could barely walk next to his bike, and a police cruiser stopped him right in front of my home. The officer asked him repeatedly if he intended to ride his bike and the guy kept saying "are you crazy?! I don't wanna get roadrash"

I've also read various news about people getting arrested for DUI on a lawnmower-tractor, on a horse, etc.