Bicycle DUI Laws in Arizona
Last reviewed by BikeSize EditorialThis guide is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change - verify current rules with your state DOT or a licensed attorney before relying on this for any legal matter. Read full disclaimer.
The rule
In Arizona, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. Arizona's DUI statute (A.R.S. § 28-1381) applies to operators of a 'vehicle,' but A.R.S. § 28-101 excludes 'devices moved exclusively by human power' from the definition of vehicle, which keeps bicycles outside the statute. Public-intoxication or related offenses may still apply. See A.R.S. § 28-1381 (Driving or actual physical control while under the influence).
Statute
What this means in practice
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in Arizona, but that's not a license to ride drunk — public-intoxication, reckless-conduct, and disorderly-conduct charges can still apply, and cycling impaired dramatically raises crash risk.
Ride sharp, ride legal
Run a 60-second pre-ride safety check
DUI, impairment, and distraction laws all assume you are riding a bike that is actually safe to ride. The M-check takes a minute and catches the things that get you hurt.
See the M-check guide