🚲 Am I allowed to cycle while drunk?

With conditions

Quick answer

Up to a limit yes — above it, a crime. Cyclists have no 0.5 per mille fine like car drivers. But from 1.6 per mille you count as absolutely unfit to ride — a crime (fine, 3 points, usually a medical-psychological assessment (MPU) that can also cost your car licence). Already from 0.3 per mille you are punishable if there are signs of impairment or you crash. Pedelecs up to 25 km/h count as bicycles; S-pedelecs as motor vehicles (then 0.5/1.1 as for cars).

📋 The rules

From 1.6 per mille on a bike: absolute unfitness = crime
From 0.3 per mille punishable if impairment signs or a crash occur
There is no plain 0.5 per mille fine threshold for cyclists like for cars
From 1.6 per mille the authority regularly orders an MPU
The MPU can also lead to loss of your car licence
Pedelec (up to 25 km/h) = bicycle; S-pedelec = motor vehicle (0.5/1.1 limits)

🔓 Exceptions

Below 1.6 per mille and without impairment signs, cycling is not a crime — but risky
The 0.0 rule for under-21s/probation applies to cars/e-scooters, not the plain bicycle
Pushing the bike instead of riding it means you are not driving a vehicle

⚠️ Penalties & fines

From 1.6 per mille: a fine (often a month's income in day-rates), 3 points and usually an MPU — fail it and even your car licence can be withdrawn. With a crash or impairment from 0.3 per mille it is also a crime (endangering road traffic, §315c) with harsher consequences.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-06-20

❓ Frequently asked

From what level is cycling drunk a crime?

Always from 1.6 per mille (absolute unfitness). Already from 0.3 per mille you can be liable if you ride conspicuously, weave or cause a crash.

Can drunk cycling cost me my car licence?

It can. From 1.6 per mille the authority usually orders an MPU. If you fail it, your driving licence can be withdrawn — including for the car, even though you only cycled.

Is there a 0.5 limit for cyclists?

No. The 0.5 per mille fine threshold applies to motor vehicles. For plain bicycles only the criminal threshold of 1.6 per mille (or 0.3 with impairment) counts.

Does this also apply to e-bikes?

Pedelecs that assist only up to 25 km/h count legally as bicycles — the 1.6 limit applies. S-pedelecs (up to 45 km/h) are motor vehicles; here 0.5 and 1.1 apply as for cars.

Can I push my bike home while drunk?

Pushing the bike means you are not driving a vehicle and are not liable for drink-driving. That is the safe option if you have been drinking.

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