Drunk cycling

Cyclists are subject to the principle of incapacity to ride. This applies not only to the influence of alcohol, but also to the influence of drugs or medication as well as fatigue. Case law has set a clear limit for alcohol: From 0.5 per mille, it is irrefutably assumed that a cyclist is unfit to ride . According to Art. 91 para. 1 let. c SVG this will be punished with a fine. Furthermore, according to Art. 19 para. 3 SVG a temporary ban on bicycles.

No, it depends on the speed. The 0.5 ‰ limit applies to slow e-bikes (up to 25 km/h). For fast e-bikes (up to 45 km/h), which require a category M driver’s license, the stricter rules for motor vehicle drivers apply.

Yes, under certain circumstances the police can take the driver’s license directly on the spot and forward it to the Road Traffic Office. The latter will then check within 10 days whether a precautionary withdrawal of the driver’s license is necessary.

There is no fixed fine. As this is an offense, the fine is determined individually in criminal proceedings (usually by penalty order). As a rule, you can expect to pay a fine of several hundred francs. In addition to the fine, there are often considerable procedural costs. In serious cases, the authorities may also impose a temporary ban on cycling.

Caution! Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered gross negligence. This has massive consequences for your insurance cover:

Liability insurance: If you cause damage to another person, your personal liability insurance will probably reduce your benefits considerably or even take recourse against you. This means that the insurance company will first pay for the victim’s damage, but will then claim the money back from you. This can lead to enormous costs.

Accident insurance: Your private or occupational accident insurance can also significantly reduce benefits (e.g. daily allowances, medical expenses) due to gross negligence.

No, not as a rule. A conviction for drunk cycling (Art. 91 para. 1 let. c SVG) is an offense. Such convictions are generally not entered in the extract from the criminal record. An entry is only made in exceptional cases if the fine exceeds CHF 5,000 or if an additional offense (e.g. negligent bodily injury following an accident) is punished in the same proceedings.

Yes, this is possible and the greatest danger to your driver’s license.

However, this is not a direct punishment for riding a bicycle (no “warning withdrawal”). Such a penalty is only provided by law for driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (e.g. Art. 16a para. 1 let. b SVG )

Instead, the Road Traffic Licensing Office will check your basic fitness to drive on the basis of the police report(Art. 15d SVG).

In the case of high alcohol levels or repeated incidents, doubts may arise as to your suitability to drive a vehicle safely. The authorities can then order a traffic medical or psychological assessment. If the results are negative, your driver’s license may be withdrawn for safety reasons (so-called “safety withdrawal” in accordance with Art. 16d SVG).