Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs
California law prohibits anyone from operating a vessel, water-skis,
or similar device while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,
or addicted to any drug. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance,
blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment (you’re
more inclined to take risks when drinking), and slow reaction time.
Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all boating accidents
nationwide. Read more
about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol.
Boaters on California waters should be aware that:
- It is illegal for anyone to operate a vessel, water-skis or
similar device with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or
greater. A level of at least .05% but less than .08% may be used
with other evidence in determining whether a person was operating
under the influence.
- Restrictions are more stringent for those under the age of
21. It is illegal for anyone under 21 to operate a vessel, water-skis
or similar device with a blood alcohol concentration of .01%
or greater.
- Penalties for boating while intoxicated may include:
- Up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail
- Possible suspension or revocation of your vehicle driver’s
license for up to five years
- By operating a vessel on California waters, you have consented
to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs if arrested by a law
enforcement official. Refusal to submit to testing may result
in increased penalties.
By operating a vessel on California waters, you have consented
to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement
official. Refusal to submit to testing will result in the suspension
of your vehicle driver’s license for at least 180 days.
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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). |
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