Bicycle DUI Laws in Arkansas
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 Arkansas, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. Arkansas's DWI statute (Ark. Code § 5-65-103) applies only to operators of a 'motor vehicle,' and Ark. Code § 27-49-219 explicitly defines bicycles as devices that are not motor vehicles. Cyclists impaired in public may still face public-intoxication charges under § 5-71-212, but the DWI penalties - including a six-month licence suspension - do not attach to bicycle operation. See Ark. Code § 5-65-103 (Unlawful acts - driving while intoxicated).
Statute
What this means in practice
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in Arkansas, 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