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After a couple of beers at the local, your bicycle chained up outside may look like a shining beacon of hope for getting home.
After all, those "RBT means you need a plan B" adverts worked, and you left the car at home before you started drinking.
However, did you know that you could still be breaking the law even if you're not behind the wheel of a car?
Is it illegal to ride a bicycle while drunk?
Each state and territory in Australia has specific laws that could cost you your licence when pedalling under the influence.
The Hills Police in New South Wales recently posted a reminder that: "Whether you're behind the wheel, riding a horse, or pedalling your way across town, staying sober is the law. Driving or riding under the influence puts everyone at risk."
Here's a state-by-state guide on what you need to know.
New South Wales has a separate punishment for riding a bicycle compared to driving a car while under the influence of alcohol.
"Riding under the influence of alcohol is a serious offence. You can be fined or imprisoned by a court if you are found to be drink riding," according to Service NSW.
For a first offence, you can receive a fine of up to $2200, and depending on the charge, you could lose your car licence (if you have one). For serious repeat offenders, you can receive nine months in prison.
However, NSW police cannot randomly breath test you on a bicycle, but you are subject to a blood/breath test if you end up in the hospital or are involved in a collision that requires investigation.
The Queensland law states, "You must follow the same road rules as motorists if you want to cycle on Queensland roads. If you break the road rules on your bicycle, you may get a fine, but no demerit points are given".
Cyclists are given up to 40 penalty units for cycling under the influence, which can result in a fine of up to $4400 and even nine months in prison.
In Victoria, you cannot lose your licence for riding a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
However, it is still an offence that can result in a $1400 fine and up to two months in prison. It falls under the 'drunk in charge of a carriage' rule.
Police in Victoria do not have the power to randomly breath test you, but you can be tested under an investigation.
It will depend on the charging officer or court case in South Australia.
In South Australia, the law handbook says, "As a vehicle is defined in section 5 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 (SA) to include a bicycle, persons riding a bicycle can be charged with certain offences under this Act if the offence applies to vehicles".
The fine is $500, you can face jail time and lose your licence.
Australian Capital Territory
Riding a bicycle while intoxicated in the ACT is a fineable offence of up to $3200, but it will not affect your driver's licence.
Similar to the ACT, in Western Australia, there is a separate fine from your driver's licence.
You can expect a $100–$200 fine, but harsher punishment can be handed out for repeat offenders.
Riding a bicycle while intoxicated in Tasmania will slap you with the same penalties as if you were driving, and fines range between $700 and $4200.
If you are a repeat offender or cause any accidents while riding under the influence, you can be jailed.
The Northern Territory is the only place in Australia where it is not technically illegal to cycle drunk, but you can still be fined for riding dangerously.
Zane Dobie comes from a background of motorcycle journalism, working for notable titles such as Australian Motorcycle News Magazine, Just Bikes and BikeReview. Despite his fresh age, Zane brings a lifetime of racing and hands-on experience. His passion now resides on four wheels as an avid car collector, restorer, drift car pilot and weekend go-kart racer.
