It's the Law: On the Water with Your Vessel

Alcohol and Drugs (625 ILCS 45/5-16)

Illinois law prohibits operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

By operating a vessel on Illinois’ waters, you have given “implied” consent to alcohol and/or drug testing if arrested for operating under the influence.

Illinois law states that a person may be found guilty of operating under the influence (OUI) if:

• The alcohol concentration in his or her blood or breath is 0.08 or more or…
• The person is under the influence of alcohol or…
• The person is under the influence of any other drug or combination of drugs and/or alcohol to a degree that renders him or her incapable of safely operating the vessel or…
• The person has any amount of a drug, substance, or compound in his or her blood or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis, controlled substance, or intoxicating compound

Just remember this simple rule: Don’t drink and boat!