Drunk cyclists: blood tests and penalties in the Börde!

Drunk cyclists: blood tests and penalties in the Börde!

In recent days, reports of alcohol-related traffic offenses on two wheels have been making the rounds. Several cyclists in the region are now the focus of the authorities after they were noticed, some of them with high alcohol levels. On June 21, 2025, two incidents occurred in Wolmirstedt and Haldensleben in which the police intervened. Magdeburg clicks reported that a 44-year-old cyclist in Wolmirstedt was noticed at around 12:09 a.m. on a slippery road because he was driving in a weaving manner. A breath alcohol test showed a level of 0.66 per mille, and there were also signs of the influence of narcotics. A blood sample was ordered and an investigation was initiated.

The situation was similar in Haldensleben, where a 36-year-old cyclist was checked at around 9 p.m. with an impressive 2.44 per mille. Here, too, a blood sample was taken in the hospital and the man was released from police custody. However, he must expect a criminal complaint according to Section 316 of the Criminal Code, drunk driving, which also applies to cyclists. Did you know that, according to a study by the Auto Club Europa (ACE), alcohol or drugs are involved in one in eight bicycle accidents? In comparison, only one in every 22 car accidents involves similar circumstances anwalt.de is to be read.

Legal consequences and measures

The legal consequences of such trips are clearly regulated. What is particularly interesting is that riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol is also a criminal offense. From an alcohol level of 1.6 per mille, cyclists are considered absolutely unfit to drive; in the lower range, even at lower levels, unfitness to drive can be determined due to symptoms of failure. However, there is no revocation of the driving license or a driving ban, as would be the case with motor vehicles. Instead, the driving license authority can order measures that include, among other things, a medical-psychological examination (MPU) if someone has become suspicious in the past anwalt.de.

However, anyone who is out on the water has to be careful, as an example shows hegewerk.de is mentioned. A client was stopped during a check on Müggelsee with an alcohol level of 0.9 per mille. It turned out he was trying to get his boat moving by wriggling and rocking. The question arose as to whether the ability to drive would have been impaired even without alcohol, which ultimately ruled out a guilty verdict. Such exceptions make it clear how important it is to carefully examine driving behavior in connection with alcoholic influences.

Others in the region are faced with the challenge of dealing with alcohol responsibly, especially when it comes to cycling after a social evening. Whether it's a shopping trip or an after-work session, if you want to sit safely in the saddle, you should plan smarter and pay attention to your health. After all, there is no better driving style than being completely sober and attentive.