Boating While Intoxicated

Indiana law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated—that is, operating a motorboat or a PWC while intoxicated due to 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 incidents and fatalities.

It is unlawful for the operator of a motorboat or a PWC to operate it while intoxicated.

• Indiana law defines intoxication as:
  • Having a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or greater or...
  • Being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs such that a person’s thoughts and actions are impaired and he or she has a loss of normal control of faculties to such an extent as to cause danger to others.
• You also may be arrested if your blood alcohol level is less than 0.08% but over 0.05%.