Most motorcycle riders think they will get a lenient penalty when caught driving while intoxicated (DWI). Some individuals also feel that DWI on a motorcycle isn’t as grave as when on a vehicle. All these assumptions are rumors.

Everyone needs to know that DWI is governed by one law and has the same penalties in all classes of vehicles. Either you are on a car, truck, golf cart, heavy commercial vehicle, scooter, tractor, or motorcycle; the law will deal with you accordingly. All these classes are encompassed under the motor vehicle umbrella.

Motorcycles and Drunk While Intoxicated Statistics

While motorcycles only make three percent of the motor vehicles registered in the United States, they have higher accident risks when on the road. They cause severe injuries, property damage, and even the death of the rider.  Here are 2016 data highlights from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) on motorbikes.

• Cyclists Have a Higher Alcohol Percentage: Bikers involved in fatal crashes had a high percentage of alcohol than other motor vehicle drivers.
• More Motorcycle Fatalities: Motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die when involved in a crash than other vehicle occupants. Also, they are five times more likely to get injured in crashes compared to other vehicles.
• Riders Also Die in Single Crashes: at least 42% of riders who die in motorcycles single-crashes are those driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Most Intoxicated Riders Die at Night Crashes: Riders killed in night crashes are three times more and are alcohol-impaired than those killed during the day.

Dangers of a DWI on a motorcycle

Driving while intoxicated on a motorcycle or any other vehicle is something you should never do. Other than the severe injuries, property damage, and death, the same can result in profound legal implications, including losing your license.

This complete guide to DWI on a motorcycle will discuss the dangers of driving a motorcycle while intoxicated. While motorcycles have more privileges than a vehicle, there are great chances of suffering more injuries or losing their lives when competing with other vehicles on the road.

DWI involving a motorcycle results in severe injuries to the biker and might lead to death. This situation is regardless of whether the biker was intoxicated before or during the accident. Also, any motorcyclist speeding on the highway with other automobiles can lead to tragic road accidents, including getting run and crushed beneath the vehicles. When a motorcycle rider gets into an accident with a motor vehicle, it’s them who suffer the most. They will have more injuries and damages than the vehicles they are involved in an accident. For instance, any accident involving a motorcyclist and a car owner will have the car owner sustaining fewer or no injuries, with the biker needing emergency medical services due to the severe injuries.

Besides injuries, any motorcyclists arrested with a DWI offense face the same penalties as a vehicle driver. Some of the penalties include getting suspended from riding the bike and losing the DMV license. The administrative suspension is always automatic unless the rider files for a hearing to cancel the suspension.  According to the United States DUI laws, a rider will lose their license for six months if they are found guilty of driving under the influence.

Besides losing the license, the court conviction can also lead to getting a Department of Motor vehicles (DMV) license suspension. In a vehicle, this suspension will require one installing an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) to track down any repeat offense for five months. Such IIDs do not work on motorcycles, and one will have to ground their ride. This situation will cause significant inconveniences, especially for individuals who rely on motorcycles for their daily movements. You have to wait until when the IID requirement gets fulfilled.

Lastly, riding a motorized scooter while intoxicated can expose the rider to criminal liability.  While a motorized scooter is not termed as a vehicle in the United States, the law can charge you with a misdemeanor for riding a scooter while impaired.

How Do You Regain Your License After A Dwi Conviction?

When you are convicted of driving under the influence, your driving license will be revoked or suspended until you meet the court’s requirements. While vehicle drivers are required to install the IID gadget as explained above, you will have to follow the court rules until you satisfy their requirements.

Getting into the wheel while intoxicated on any vehicle type is a bad idea. If you must take alcohol, and you must drive, you have to rethink the DWI consequences involved. When caught while driving while intoxicated, it is crucial to contact a lawyer to help you understand the laws of your state. The lawyers will give you details on what to do and things to avoid until you regain your license.