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, a 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 $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 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 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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