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Can you drink alcohol while driving a boat?

Sometimes, I like to have drinks on my boat with my friends, but I’m not sure that I’m technically allowed if I’m driving the boat. I never drink in excess, but I still wouldn’t want to get in trouble. Can you drink alcohol while driving a boat?

avatar
Sara Brody · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
It’s great that you’re concerned about safety on the water—and the rules for boating are very similar to those for driving a car. You can drink alcohol while driving a boat as long as your blood alcohol limit does not exceed 0.08%, which is usually equivalent to three or more drinks.
Here are a few more reasons why boating under the influence should be avoided:
  • Drinking alcoholic beverages while boating can impair your judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time
  • 18% of all fatal motorboat accidents are the result of boating under the influence (BUI)
  • Driving a boat while drunk can lead to a fine of up to $1,000 and land you in jail for up to six months
In short, if you have any doubt about your capacity to drink and drive your boat, simply don’t do it. Even if your blood alcohol level is within the legal limit, you’ll still experience some degree of impairment with any alcohol in your system.
As is the case with a DUI, it’s likely that your
car insurance
rates will skyrocket if you’re charged with boating under the influence. But thanks to the
Jerry
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Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

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