Bicycle DUIs in Ontario | DUI Lawyer in Brampton Explains the Consequences

1. Bicycle DUIs in Ontario (A Brampton DUI Lawyer Explains the Consequences) As elsewhere, driving drunk in Ontario has consequences. But what about cycling drunk? A DUI given while riding a bicycle is not an enforceable charge in Canada, unless the bike has a motor. But there are consequences for pedalling drunk, for lack of a better phrase. And you may need to get in touch with a DUI lawyer in Brampton to defend yourself. In this post, we outline what you need to know about cycling under the influence in Ontario.

2. 1 DUI Laws in Ontario for Cyclists Driving Under the Influence Here is a quick look at what you should know about riding a bicycle and facing alcohol or drug charges in Ontario. That may also mean getting in touch with an experienced impaired driving lawyer in Brampton to guide you through the process of having your charges dismissed.

3. 2 When could you be charged with a DUI while riding a bicycle? In Ontario, laws exist to protect cyclists from motorists when they share the road. But cyclists must also adhere to certain laws, such as wearing a helmet. It is important to note that even if a person is following Ontario's bicycle safety laws, they may still be charged with a DUI. If a law enforcement officer suspects that a cyclist is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can face serious consequences, including fines and even imprisonment in extreme cases. If you find yourself in such a situation, it may be helpful to consult an impaired driving lawyer in Brampton.

4. 3 How does the Canadian Criminal code fail to address bicycle DUIs? The laws concerning DUIs in Canada are mentioned under the Offences Relating to Conveyances section. For further clarity, ‘conveyance’ refers to a motor vehicle, aircraft, vessel, or railway equipment. Since bicycles do not fall into any of these categories, riding a bicycle while under the influence is not considered a DUI offence. This lack of clarity in the law can make it challenging for individuals who have been charged with a bicycle DUI. If you find yourself in this situation, it may be beneficial to seek the advice of a DUI lawyer in Brampton to help you navigate the legal system

5. 4 Are there other charges that the cyclist may face? While cyclists may not be charged with driving while intoxicated, they can be stopped by police and ticketed for other reasons. When someone rides their bicycle on the street, they are in a public place. And when they are drunk on their bike, they may face charges under the Liquor License Act. The charge will be for being under the influence in a public place and for not consuming alcohol in a residence or licensed establishment. Alternatively, you may receive a ticket for riding your bike carelessly (think weaving in and out of traffic), not stopping at a stop sign, or running a red light. Moreover, riding a bicycle while drunk or high can be extremely dangerous. Since both substances delay your reaction times and impair your judgement, it makes it unsafe for you and those around you. In such instances, it is better to walk your bike home, take public transport, or call for a ride. If you are caught cycling under the influence, it is in your best interests to get in touch with a DUI lawyer in Brampton. They will help you understand your rights and options, and ensure you have a defence that provides the best possible outcome. While it may not technically be against the law to cycle drunk, it’s best not to. Apart from hurting others, you can seriously injure yourself and face severe repercussions.