Some states have laws against riding a bicycle on a street or highway while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (cycling under the influence, or CUI). Other states apply traditional DUI/DWI laws to cycling while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. And some states don't have a specific CUI law, and don't apply traditional DUI/DWI laws to riding a non-motorized vehicle, such as a bicycle.
In New York, there is no specific statute that addresses Cycling Under the Influence (CUI) in the same way that DUI (Driving Under the Influence) or DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) laws apply to motor vehicle operators. New York's Vehicle and Traffic Law does not categorize a bicycle as a motor vehicle, and therefore, the state's DUI/DWI laws do not directly apply to cyclists. However, this does not mean that riding a bicycle while impaired by drugs or alcohol is without consequence. Law enforcement officers may still take action if a cyclist's behavior poses a danger to themselves or others, potentially charging them under public intoxication or disorderly conduct statutes. Cyclists should be aware that while they may not face the same legal repercussions as motor vehicle drivers when it comes to DUI/DWI, responsible riding is still expected, and local ordinances may have specific regulations regarding cycling behavior.