Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Oregon law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII)—that is, operating any boat while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, controlled substance, or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol in Chapter 5.

Oregon law states the following.

• No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall operate, propel, or be in actual physical control of any boat.
• It is also unlawful for the owner or person in charge of a boat to allow anyone else to operate the boat if the operator is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If a person’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is 0.08% or greater, he/she is considered to be under the influence.
• NOTE: A boat operator showing any sign of impairment due to alcohol or drugs is subject to arrest.

Oregon law establishes the following penalties for those arrested and convicted of boating under the influence of intoxicants. They may:

• Be fined up to $6,250 and/or sentenced to one year in jail.
• Lose operating privileges for one year and be required to complete a boating safety course.
• Have all boat registrations in their name canceled for up to three years.

By operating a boat on Oregon waters, you have given consent to submit to field sobriety and breath tests. Refusal to be tested can be used as evidence in a court trial.

The best thing you can do for your safety and the safety of your passengers and other boaters is simple— Don't drink and boat!

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).