Bicycle DUI Laws in Oregon
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
Oregon prosecutes cycling under the influence under a separate, bicycle-specific statute rather than the standard motor-vehicle DUI law. Oregon prosecutes cycling under the influence under a separate statute (ORS 814.014 - Unlawful operation of bicycle while under the influence) rather than the standard auto DUII law (ORS 813.010). Cyclists are expressly excluded from the DUII statute by ORS 814.400(2)(a). A bicycle DUII is a Class B traffic violation rather than a misdemeanor; there is no statutory BAC threshold and the case turns on observable impairment. The offense is not a DUII conviction, so it does not trigger an automatic driver-licence suspension. See ORS 814.014 (Unlawful operation of bicycle while under the influence).
Statute
What this means in practice
Riding a bicycle while impaired is a real legal exposure in Oregon. If you've been drinking, the safer move is to walk your bike, take transit, or call a ride.
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