Boating Under the Influence
![Person in handcuffs; law enforcement vessel in the background](https://ke-courses-production.s3.amazonaws.com/asset_files/production/1626/attachments/original/law-enforcement-arrested.jpg?1506337343)
North Dakota law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI)—that is, operating any vessel or manipulating water skis, a surfboard, or any similar device while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or a combination of both. 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.
- North Dakota law states that a person is presumed to be BUI if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10% or higher.
- North Dakota law does not prohibit people of legal drinking age from consuming alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers in a boat.