{"id":286709,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/dui\/charges\/boating-under-the-influence-basics.html"},"modified":"2026-03-30T13:10:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T18:10:27","slug":"boating-under-the-influence-basics","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/dui\/charges\/boating-under-the-influence-basics.html","title":{"rendered":"Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Charges and Penalties"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Charges and Penalties<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Boating under the influence<\/span> (BUI<\/span>) is a serious criminal offense in all 50 states. Similar to DUI<\/span> charges, BUI<\/span> violations can result in fines, license suspensions<\/span>, jail time<\/span>, and a permanent criminal record<\/span>. Factors such as sun exposure, wind, and boat motion can intensify the effects of alcohol<\/span>, making even small quantities cause impairment<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Operating a boat while intoxicated is a criminal offense. A BUI can be as serious as drunk driving convictions.<\/p>\n

In this article, see how BUI<\/span> charges<\/span> differ from a drinking under the influence (DUI<\/span>) charge. You can also learn about the potential penalties and legal defense strategies<\/span>.<\/p>\n

If you are facing BUI charges or any other impaired driving charge, contact an experienced BUI\/DUI defense attorney<\/a>. They can evaluate your case for potential defenses and help protect your rights.<\/p>\n

Boating Under the Influence<\/span> Is a Crime<\/h2>\n

All states have laws against boating under the influence<\/span>. Also known as boating while intoxicated (BWI), it is a criminal offense that occurs when a person operates any watercraft<\/span> while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs.<\/p>\n

Similar to driving under the influence<\/span> (DUI<\/span>)<\/a> on land, BUI<\/span> state laws establish the legal limit<\/span> for blood alcohol concentration<\/span>. The laws also provide law enforcement officials the authority to stop, test, and arrest boat operators<\/span> impaired by alcohol or drugs. Whether you operate a fishing boat, sailboat<\/span>, personal <\/span>watercraft<\/span>, or sailboard, you could risk a BUI<\/span> charge<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Different factors can affect a boat operator<\/span>\u2019s physical and mental abilities while on the water, including:<\/p>\n