Riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol can have dangerous consequences – not only for you but also for other road users. However, the legal blood alcohol limits for cyclists differ from those for car drivers. In this guide, you will learn about the blood alcohol limit for cyclists, what happens at various blood alcohol levels, and the consequences that may follow.

1. Blood Alcohol Limit on the Bicycle: An Overview

In Germany, there are clear rules for driving under the influence of alcohol – both for car drivers and cyclists. Cyclists are subject to their own, higher blood alcohol limits compared to car drivers:

  • From 0.3 Per Mille: Even from 0.3 per mille, you can face penalties if you ride erratically or are involved in an accident. This is known as relative driving incapacity.
  • From 1.6 Per Mille: This is the absolute blood alcohol limit for cyclists. From this level, you are considered unfit to ride, regardless of whether you are riding erratically or not.

In comparison, the limits for car drivers are significantly lower. It is important to understand that cyclists are only considered absolutely unfit to ride at a higher blood alcohol level than car drivers.

2. Comparison: Blood Alcohol Limits for Cyclists and Car Drivers

To make the difference clearer, here is an overview of the blood alcohol limit on the bicycle compared to car drivers:

Cyclists:

  • 0.3 Per Mille: Penalties only apply for erratic riding behavior or an accident (relative driving incapacity).
  • 1.6 Per Mille: Absolute driving incapacity – from this level, penalties apply regardless of behavior. An MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination) may be required, and in some cases, your driver's license may be revoked.

Car Drivers:

  • 0.3 Per Mille: Similar to cyclists, penalties apply for accidents or erratic behavior.
  • 0.5 Per Mille: From this limit, car drivers face fines and driving bans, even without accidents or erratic behavior.
  • 1.1 Per Mille: From this point, car drivers are absolutely unfit to drive and must face severe penalties such as revocation of the driver's license.

The blood alcohol limit on the bicycle is therefore significantly higher at 1.6 per mille compared to 1.1 per mille for car drivers. However, this does not mean that riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol is safe – even with lower alcohol levels in the blood, riding ability can be severely impaired.

3. What Happens at 0.3 Per Mille on the Bicycle?

At 0.3 Per Mille, you as a cyclist can face penalties if you ride erratically or are involved in an accident. This is the rule of relative driving incapacity. This means that the influence of alcohol on your behavior is examined – if you are riding unsafely or endangering other road users, you can be penalized.

4. Absolute Driving Incapacity: The 1.6 Per Mille Limit

The blood alcohol limit for absolute driving incapacity on the bicycle is set at 1.6 per mille. This means that from this level, you are punished regardless of your behavior. The following penalties apply, among others:

  • Fine: High fines are common from 1.6 per mille.
  • MPU (Medical-Psychological Examination): To prove that you are still fit to drive vehicles, you may be required to undergo an MPU.
  • License Revocation: In severe cases, your driver's license for cars may even be revoked – even if you were only riding a bicycle.

5. What Penalties Apply for Violations of the Blood Alcohol Limit on the Bicycle?

The consequences for violating the blood alcohol limit with the bicycle can be severe:

  • Fine: From 1.6 per mille, you must expect substantial fines.
  • License Revocation or Driving Ban: Even if you are riding a bicycle, your car driver's license may be revoked.
  • MPU: You may be required to undergo an MPU to prove that you are still permitted to drive vehicles.

Summary

  • Blood Alcohol Limit on the Bicycle: From 1.6 per mille, you are considered absolutely unfit to ride, and penalties apply regardless of riding behavior.
  • 0.3 Per Mille: From this level, relative driving incapacity can be assumed in case of erratic riding behavior or an accident.
  • Comparison with Car Drivers: While car drivers are already absolutely unfit to drive from 1.1 per mille, the limit for cyclists is 1.6 per mille.
  • Consequences of Violations: Fines, MPU, and even revocation of the driver's license may apply.

Questions Answered by This Article:

  • Blood Alcohol Bicycle Limit: What blood alcohol limit applies to cyclists?
  • Blood Alcohol Limit on the Bicycle: What is the legal alcohol limit for riding a bicycle?
  • Blood Alcohol Limit with Bicycle: How much alcohol can I consume if I am riding a bicycle?
  • Blood Alcohol Limit Bicycle: What penalties apply if I ride a bicycle while intoxicated?