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 Massachusetts, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. Massachusetts's OUI statute (M.G.L. ch. 90 § 24) applies only to operators of a 'motor vehicle' on a public way. Bicycles are not motor vehicles under Massachusetts law, so a cyclist cannot be charged with OUI. Public-intoxication, disorderly-conduct, or related offenses may still apply. See Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90, § 24 (Operating under the influence).
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in Massachusetts, 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.