It's the Law: On the Water
Alcohol and Drugs
Iowa law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI).
This includes the operation of any vessel or manipulation of any
water skis, surfboard, or similar device while under the influence
of alcohol; marijuana; a narcotic, hypnotic, or other drug; or
any combination of these substances. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired
balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment,
and slower reaction time.
Iowa law states that a person is considered to be boating
while intoxicated (BWI) if he or she:
- Is under the influence of alcohol or other drug or
a combination of such substances or…
- Has a blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration
of 0.10% or more or…
- Has any amount of a controlled substance present
in his or her person, as measured in blood or urine.
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Iowa law establishes the following penalties for BWI.
- Upon a first conviction, a person may be fined up to $1,000, jailed
for at least 48 hours, and prohibited from operating a vessel
for one year.
- Upon a second conviction, a person may be fined up to $5,000,
jailed for at least 7 days, and prohibited from operating a
vessel for two years.
- Upon the third and subsequent convictions, a person may be
fined up to $7,500, jailed for up to one year, and prohibited from
operating a vessel for six years.
- In addition, persons convicted of BWI will be assigned to
substance abuse evaluation/treatment and must attend a course for drinking
drivers.
- Persons convicted of BWI who caused the death or injury of
someone will receive severe penalties in addition to those
above.
By operating a vessel on Iowa waters, you have given “implied” consent
to alcohol testing. For a first offense of refusing to be tested,
you can be fined up to $500 and lose your operating privileges
for up to one year.
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