Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Arizona law prohibits anyone from operating a motor-powered vessel while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that causes the person to be even slightly impaired. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all fatal boating accidents nationwide. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol.

The State of Arizona passed an operating under the influence (OUI) bill that mirrors the state’s vehicular driving under the influence (DUI) laws and penalties. Effective January 1, 2009, the OUI law is as follows:

• A person is considered to be operating under the influence of alcohol if he or she has blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% but less than 0.15% as determined by a test of his or her breath, blood, or urine. “Extreme OUI” is a BAC of 0.15% but less than 0.20%, and “Super Extreme OUI” is a BAC of 0.20% and higher.
• If convicted of “OUI,” a person can be fined up to $1,450 and jailed up to 10 days.
• If convicted of “Extreme OUI,” a person can be fined up to $2,700 and jailed up to 30 days.
• If convicted of “Super Extreme OUI,” a person can be fined up to $3,150 and jailed up to 45 days.
• Subsequent convictions and if convicted of “Aggravated OUI,” persons are subject to even more severe penalties.

By operating a vessel on Arizona waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement officer for alleged violations under Arizona Watercraft Statutes.

The best thing you can do for your safety and the safety of your passengers and other boaters is simple ... Don't drink and boat!

Areas of Impairment Due to Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Because you can drink faster than your system can burn off the alcohol, there is an increasing level of alcohol in your blood. This level is referred to as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).