Bicycle DUI Laws in Minnesota
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 Minnesota, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. Minnesota's DWI statute (Minn. Stat. § 169A.20) applies to operators of a 'motor vehicle.' Minn. Stat. § 169.011 subd. 42 defines motor vehicle to exclude devices propelled solely by human power, so bicycles are categorically outside DWI. A cyclist may still be charged with public intoxication or reckless conduct. See Minn. Stat. § 169A.20 (Driving while impaired).
Statute
What this means in practice
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in Minnesota, 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