A Chicago DUI Lawyer – Educates you on DUI Laws And Motorcycles

Last updated Thursday, October 6th, 2022

So why would a Chicago DUI Lawyer want to educate people on DUI Laws And Motorcycles – because it could save your life and keep you out of our offices! We are here when you need us, and we are here to support you so hopefully, you won’t.

It is a serious breach of the law for motorcyclists to ride their motorcycles when under the influence of alcohol or any other drug that affects safe riding. The above-mentioned offense is commonly known as driving under the influence or DUI.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, motorcycle riders who were involved in serious crashes had consumed higher amounts of alcohol than drivers of other types of vehicles.

In the same year, 42% of the riders who died in fatal crashes were found to have been alcohol-impaired. Judging from these statistics, it’s clear why we still need Chicago DUI lawyers.

Therefore, there’s a need for traffic authorities to fully enforce DUI laws. The premise behind tougher enforcement of DUI laws on motorcycle riders stems from the fact that they’re more vulnerable to fatal crashes than motorists.

In this regard, here are fundamental things that all motorcyclists need to know about the aforementioned laws.

Substances Included In DUI Laws

DUI laws include substances that impair the capacity of a rider to ride a motorcycle in a safe way. Legal substances can also be part of these laws. Particularly, prescription drugs that can impair the ability of a motorcyclist to operate his bike in a safe way form part of DUI laws.

The most common substance that motorcycle owners abuse is alcohol. Alcohol-impaired riders have a higher likelihood of causing a motorcycle accident because they don’t have the much-needed awareness to be alert when on the road.

Illegal contraband drugs like cocaine and heroin are also in the laws pertaining to driving under the influence. Moreover, traffic authorities recognize prescription drugs like painkillers and muscle relaxers as having the capacity to affect the ability of a rider to maintain the required standards of safety on the road.

Additionally, over-the-counter medications like antihistamines are dangerous when you take them in higher than normal doses. They can easily destabilize a rider and as a result, cause a serious motorcycle accident.

Therefore, motorcyclists should avoid these substances. This will allow them to steer clear of the tough penalties that come with breaking DUI laws.

Police Tests In A DUI Stop

Law enforcement officers have the authority to undertake field testing to ascertain whether you’re riding under the influence of alcohol or any other drug. You can be pulled over any time by a police officer to test if you’re sober or not.

One of the common tests that a law enforcement officer can do to establish your sobriety level is a field sobriety test. In this test, the officer asks you to step from your bike. Then, you need to perform a series of exercises to determine your level of balance and alertness.

The tests include standing on one leg, walking, and turning, and observing any odor of alcohol or any other drug. The above tests will allow the officer to make deductions on whether you have an impairment from a particular substance or not.

Chemical breath tests are yet another test that law enforcement officers have to use according to DUI laws. They can determine whether you’re sober or not. This test involves a breathalyzer that checks the amount of alcohol in a rider’s blood system.

You may also need a blood or urine test to find out your sobriety level. The test, by a medical professional, determines whether there are substances present in your blood system. Plus, the amount of concentration thereof.

So as a motorcyclist, you need to be aware that law enforcement officers in accordance with DUI laws, have the right to stop you. They can then test whether you’re riding soberly and observing the set traffic laws.

Even a Chicago DUI Attorney can’t help if You have Your License Revoked

DUI laws demand that if you are riding under the influence of alcohol or other substances, you’ll face a conviction. If convicted, your license can be suspended or revoked. In the State of Illinois, for a first offense, your license will be suspended for a minimum of 6 months. If you offend again, you stand the chance of having your license suspended for a minimum of 5 years.

After the suspension or revocation of your license due to breaking DUI laws, there are particular requirements you should meet to regain it. Remember, you cannot operate your bike without your motorcycle license.

Thus, all motorcycle owners whose licenses are either suspended or revoked by their state’s traffic authorities should ensure that they meet the expected requirements.

For example, you have to serve the full penalty following your conviction to repossess your license.

Why You Need A Chicago DUI defense attorney for Your DUI Case