Davis Law Group, P.S.

Drunk Driving on a Motorcycle - 14 Cues To Determine DUI

Motorcycles can be dangerous as is - without any substance abuse or roadway obstacles. If you decide to hop on your motorcycle after a few drinks, prepare for the consequences.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a list of clues they look for during nighttime, which helps to target drunk drivers – especially those on motorcycles.

Here is a list of cues that NHTSA published:

These are “Excellent Cues” meaning that there is a 50% or greater probability that the driver is intoxicated

• Inattentive to surroundings
• Trouble with dismount
• Drifting during turn or curve
• Trouble with balance at a stop
• Inappropriate or unusual behavior (e.g., carrying or dropping object, urinating at roadside, disorderly conduct, etc.)
• Turning problems (e.g., unsteady, sudden corrections, late braking, improper lean angle)
• Weaving

These are “Good Cues” meaning that there is a 30 to 50% probability that the driver is intoxicated

• Running stop light or sign
• Evasion
• Operating without lights at night
• Recklessness
• Following too closely
• Erratic movements while going straight
• Wrong way


If you witness any of these motions by a motorcyclist, you should call 911 immediately. Attorney Chris Davis handles many DUI and motorcycle accidents. We support MADD Washington by donating $500 for each DUI case that is closed. If you have been a victim of a motorcycle crash or DUI collision, call Mr. Davis at Davis Law Group at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation.