Bicyclist Swerves, Avoids Drunk Driving Penalty
- Share via
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The state Court of Appeals has ruled there’s no law against riding a bicycle while intoxicated.
In its ruling this week, the court said the Legislature never intended the state’s drunk driving laws to apply to bikes.
The court ruled in a case in which a Montesano police officer stopped Daniel Wells at 3 a.m. because Wells’ bike was swerving on a back street. A breath test indicated Wells’ blood-alcohol level was 0.13, above the legal limit for driving while intoxicated.
Wells appealed his conviction. He said he was swerving to avoid potholes.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
More From the Los Angeles Times
Podcasts
A series of small-town dog killings was a prelude to the violence committed by one of California’s deadliest serial killers.
The stories behind the most compelling cases from the people who know them best.
German broadcaster DW explores the idea of 15-minute cities — and why the climate-friendly concept is drawing backlash.
