Bicycle DUI Laws in Virginia
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 Virginia, the DUI statute does not apply to bicyclists — it covers motor-vehicle operators only. Virginia's DUI statute (Va. Code § 18.2-266) applies to operators of a 'motor vehicle, engine or train.' Va. Code § 46.2-100 defines motor vehicle to exclude bicycles, so a cyclist cannot be charged with DUI under § 18.2-266. Public-intoxication or reckless-handling charges may still apply to an impaired rider. See Va. Code § 18.2-266 (Driving motor vehicle while intoxicated).
Statute
What this means in practice
A DUI charge isn't on the table for cyclists in Virginia, 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