We’re once again drawing nearer to motorcycle season here in Minnesota, and soon many riders will be dusting off their motorcycles and cruising around the Twin Cities and all over the state. It also means that we can expect an uptick in calls from motorcyclists who end up earning a DWI during a ride gone wrong. DWI arrests on a motorcycle are very similar to a standard DWI arrest of a vehicle driver, but there are a few extra things you’ll want to know. In today’s blog, we share some advice so that you can avoid getting a DWI on your motorcycle this year.
Motorcycle DWIs
When it comes to the arrest and your potential penalties, a DWI on a motorcycle or in a vehicle are essentially the same. First offense DWIs will be considered a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. Additionally, the charge can be upgraded if certain aggravating factors are present. For example, if your BAC was above 0.16, you had a minor under the age of 16 on the motorcycle at the time or you have been convicted of DWI within the past 10 years, the charge can be upgraded to a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and fines up to $3,000. Repeat offenders can even face felony charges. It doesn’t matter if your DWI came in a car, motorcycle, bus, boat or ATV, any DWI within the past 10 years can lead to upgraded charges for subsequent offenses.
The only real difference between a vehicle and motorcycle DWI is how police work to spot potentially inebriated drivers. For example, police may watch to see how a motorcycle navigates a turn within their own lane to determine if they are having difficulty maintaining the vehicle. A standard car driver can also have difficultly navigating a turn, but lane positioning issues may be more obvious on a motorcycle because its small size allows it to move more while still remaining in the lane.
Navigating turns isn’t the only way that police spot drunk motorcycle drivers. Police are oftentimes very aware of any organized rides that are taking place during the weekend, so if your Poker Run or benefit ride is well-advertised or police know that there will be stops are certain locations that serve alcohol, they may set up shop nearby. Riding with others is a great way to raise money or awareness for a specific cause, but oftentimes these rides take you to different bars or restaurants that serve alcohol, and if you have one too many, police will be waiting.
There’s also the fact that many motorcycles are loud, so they attract attention, especially if you are riding with others. Motorcycle riders can be an easy target for police, so while you may not have done anything wrong to grab their attention, they may follow you or radio ahead to another unit. Loud bikes can catch attention, for the good and for the bad, so be mindful of your speed and sound, especially if you’ve had anything to drink.
At Appelman Law Firm, we’ve helped countless motorcycle drivers contest their DWI arrest or speeding citation, and we’d be more than happy to do the same for you. If you believe you’ve been unfairly targeted or illegally stopped, make sure that your rights are upheld. Don’t just plead guilty and hope for leniency. Connect with a professional legal team and go on the offensive to preserve your rights. For more information, or for help with a different motorcycle-related legal issue, reach out to the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
