Under Florida Statute 316.2065, bicycles are considered vehicles, and the individuals who ride them have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers on the road. That includes the laws surrounding Driving Under the Influence (DUI).

Florida’s DUI laws, as outlined in Florida Statute 316.193, prohibit anyone from driving or being in actual physical control of a vehicle while under the influence of alcoholic beverages or certain substances to the extent that their normal faculties are impaired, or with a blood- or breath-alcohol level of .08 or more.

Because Florida Statute 316.2065 regards bicycles as vehicles, bicyclists are subject to these DUI laws. This means that if a cyclist is found operating a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or other substances to the point of impairment, they can be charged with a DUI, just as if they were driving a motor vehicle.

It is important to note that the penalties for a DUI on a bicycle are the same as those for a DUI in a motor vehicle, which can include fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, DUI programs, driver license revocation, and ignition interlock device requirements, among other penalties.

Florida Statute 316.2065 pertains to Bicycle Regulations. This law outlines various rules and obligations for bicyclists when operating on public roadways in Florida, covering aspects like seating, riding on roadways and bicycle paths, carrying articles, and lighting. Crucially, it also highlights that a bicyclist is subject to all the same DUI laws as a driver of a motor vehicle. You can read the full text of Florida Statute 316.2065 here.

Florida DUI laws, specified in Florida Statute 316.193, are applicable to drivers of all vehicles, including bicycles. The penalties for DUI offenses in Florida can be severe and escalate with each subsequent offense. The following is a brief overview of the potential penalties:

  1. First DUI Conviction: Penalties can include a fine ranging from $500 to $1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, probation for up to one year, at least 50 hours of community service, license revocation for a minimum of 180 days, and mandatory DUI school.
  2. Second DUI Conviction: Penalties can include a fine ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, imprisonment for up to nine months (or up to 12 months if the second conviction is within five years of the first), license revocation for a minimum of 180 days (or five years if the second conviction is within five years of the first), and mandatory DUI school.
  3. Third DUI Conviction: If the third conviction is within 10 years of a prior conviction, it's considered a third-degree felony. Penalties can include a fine ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, imprisonment for up to 12 months (or a term of years for a felony), license revocation for a minimum of 180 days (or 10 years for a third-degree felony), and mandatory DUI school.
  4. Fourth or Subsequent DUI Conviction: This is always considered a third-degree felony. Penalties can include a fine of at least $2,000 (or more for higher blood-alcohol levels), imprisonment for a term of years, and permanent license revocation with no eligibility for hardship reinstatement.

Further details on penalties for DUI offenses in Florida can be found in Florida Statute 316.193. Remember to consult with a legal professional if you need specific legal advice or have questions about these laws.

The Lifelong Consequence of Being Convicted of a DUI on a Bicycle

Being convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) can have serious, long-lasting consequences that extend far beyond the immediate penalties imposed by the court. Here are some of the potential life-long effects:

  1. Criminal Record: A DUI conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, which can be accessed during background checks by employers, landlords, and others. This can potentially limit job opportunities, housing options, and more.
  2. Employment: Certain professions, particularly those involving driving or heavy machinery, may be off-limits after a DUI conviction. In addition, some employers may choose not to hire someone with a DUI conviction.
  3. Insurance Rates: After a DUI conviction, your auto insurance rates will likely increase significantly, and in some cases, insurance companies may even cancel your coverage.
  4. License Suspension: In many cases, a DUI conviction results in a suspended driver's license for a certain period. This can affect your ability to travel, commute to work, or carry out daily tasks that require driving.
  5. Financial Burden: The financial cost of a DUI can be high. This can include fines, legal fees, increased insurance rates, and the cost of alcohol education programs. In some cases, there might also be lost income due to time off work for court dates or jail time.
  6. Emotional Impact: The stigma and stress associated with a DUI conviction can lead to mental health issues like depression or anxiety.
  7. Travel Restrictions: Some countries, including Canada, may deny entry to people with a DUI conviction.
  8. Education and Scholarships: Some colleges and universities may deny admission to students with DUI convictions. Some scholarship programs may also consider criminal history, including DUI convictions, when deciding to award scholarships.

These potential consequences highlight the importance of seeking legal representation if facing a DUI charge. It's crucial to understand the severity of these charges and the long-term implications they may have on various aspects of your life.

If you or a loved one are facing DUI charges in Florida, don't risk your future. Musca Law, P.A., Florida's premier criminal defense law firm, is ready to fight for your rights. With 30 convenient locations spread across the state, our team of skilled attorneys is never far away. We're available 24/7 to provide the defense you need when you need it most. Call our toll-free hotline at 1-888-484-5057 anytime for a free consultation. Don't wait. Your future is at stake - Let Musca Law help protect it.

You can view the full text of Florida Statute 316.2065 here and Florida Statute 316.193 here for more detailed information. Remember, it is always advised to consult with a legal professional if you need specific legal advice or have any questions about these laws.