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

Alcohol and Drugs

• Texas law prohibits anyone from operating a vessel while intoxicated (BWI); this includes the operation of any boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, water skis, sailboard, or similar device. Operators who have a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or greater are considered intoxicated.
• Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction time. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all fatal boating accidents nationwide.
• Texas law establishes the following penalties for boating while intoxicated.
  • First conviction carries a fine of up to $2,000 and/or jail time up to 180 days.
  • Second conviction carries a fine of up to $4,000 and/or jail time up to one year.
  • Third conviction carries a fine of up to $10,000 and/or jail time of 2-10 years.
• By operating a vessel on Texas waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol and/or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement official. Refusal to submit to testing may result in the suspension of your vehicle driver's license for at least 180 days.
• Remember this simple rule: Don't drink and boat!