This 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 Illinois, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. The Illinois DUI statute (625 ILCS 5/11-501) applies to operators of a 'vehicle,' but the Vehicle Code definition (625 ILCS 5/1-217) explicitly excludes 'devices moved by human power,' which leaves bicycles outside the statute. The Illinois Supreme Court has confirmed that DUI does not apply to bicycles. Riders may still face public-intoxication or reckless-conduct charges. See 625 ILCS 5/11-501 (Driving while under the influence).
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in Illinois, 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.