Bicycle DUI Laws in Tennessee
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 Tennessee, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. Tennessee's DUI statute (TCA § 55-10-401) applies only to a person who drives or is in physical control of an 'automobile, automobile truck, motorcycle, motor-driven cycle, self-propelled vehicle, or any other motor-driven vehicle.' Because a bicycle is human-powered, the DUI statute does not reach bicycle riders. An impaired cyclist may still be cited under public-intoxication statutes. See TCA § 55-10-401 (Driving under the influence of intoxicant - motor-driven vehicle).
Statute
What this means in practice
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in Tennessee, 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