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Drunk on your bike? Strict penalties and driving bans threaten!
A man from Saarlouis loses his driving license after repeatedly driving drunk on a moped. Alcohol limits and penalties explained.
Drunk on your bike? Strict penalties and driving bans threaten!
A current case from Saarland shows that the rules for drunk driving also apply to bicycles and mopeds. A man was noticed several times because of his inability to drive due to alcohol and subsequently lost his driving license. On June 5, 2025, the Saarland Higher Administrative Court decided that he would be banned from driving mopeds and bicycles. This step came after the man was riding a moped, a “licence-free vehicle,” in July 2019 with a blood alcohol level of 1.83. Despite the responsible authority's request for a medical-psychological examination (MPU), the person concerned refused this and was banned.
The legal framework in Germany is clear: if you have a blood alcohol level of 1.6 or more, you are considered “absolutely unfit to drive” and are liable to prosecution. This has legal consequences that can range up to a fine of around 30 daily rates and two points in the Flensburg driving fitness register. In addition, an MPU will also be ordered, which can potentially lead to the revocation of a driving license, even if there is no license for a motor vehicle. From 0.3 per mille, there can also be a criminal liability for alcohol-related failures such as snaking or falling, as ADAC explains.
Rules for e-bikes and pedestrians
The alcohol limits apply not only to bicycles, but also to e-bikes that travel up to 25 km/h. The same rules must be observed here as with normal bicycles. However, e-bikes that reach up to 45 km/h and are powered by a motor alone fall within the alcohol limit for motor vehicles. This means that stricter regulations apply to them. Pedestrians who push a bicycle are not punishable as long as there are no signs of failure, which, according to SR, often represents a less visible risk in public.
It should also be noted that there is no specific alcohol limit for drunk pedestrians. However, fines can be imposed if such pedestrians endanger road traffic. MPU or driving bans can only be expected in extreme cases, such as if alcohol addiction is suspected.
Given this legal framework, it is clear that alcohol in any form is strictly treated when riding bicycles and mopeds. A ban on drunk driving applies not only to drivers but also to all other road users and shows the authorities' determination to ensure safety.