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The Boater's Guide of Iowa, A Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities Iowa DNR Boater Education logo

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.

Don't drink and boat!

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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The Boater's Guide of Iowa, A Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities
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Online boating safety handbook last modified: July 11, 2008
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