Operating Under the Influence

Illinois law prohibits anyone from operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol 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.

Illinois law states that a person is considered to be operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs if:

• The alcohol concentration in his or her blood or breath is 0.08% or more 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 operating the vessel safely 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, a controlled substance, or an intoxicating compound.