It's the Law: On the Water

Alcohol and Drugs

Arizona law prohibits anyone from operating a power-driven vessel while under the influence of alcohol or any drug that causes the person to be even slightly impaired. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction time. Alcohol contributes to nearly one-third of all fatal boating accidents nationwide.

The State of Arizona passed an operating under the influence (OUI) bill that mirrors the state’s vehicular driving under the influence (DUI) laws and penalties. Effective January 1, 2009, the OUI law is as follows:

• A person is considered to be operating under the influence of alcohol if he or she has blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% but less than 0.15% as determined by a test of his or her breath, blood, or urine. “Extreme OUI” is a BAC of 0.15% but less than 0.20%, and “Super Extreme OUI” is a BAC of 0.20% and higher.
• If convicted of “OUI,” a person can be fined up to $1,450 and jailed up to 10 days.
• If convicted of “Extreme OUI,” a person can be fined up to $2,700 and jailed up to 30 days.
• If convicted of “Super Extreme OUI,” a person can be fined up to $3,150 and jailed up to 45 days.
• Subsequent convictions and if convicted of “Aggravated OUI,” persons are subject to even more severe penalties.

By operating a vessel on Arizona waters, you have consented to be tested for alcohol or drugs if arrested by a law enforcement officer for alleged violations under Arizona Watercraft Statutes.

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