Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs
Kentucky law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI)—that
is, operating a vessel, or manipulating water-skis or similar devices,
while intoxicated or under the influence of any substance that
impairs a person’s driving ability. Alcohol and drugs cause
impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment,
and slow reaction time. Alcohol contributes to about one-third
of all boating accidents. Read
more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol in Chapter
5.
Kentucky law states:
- A person is considered to be intoxicated if the concentration
of alcohol in his or her blood is 0.08% or more.
- It is also illegal to drink alcoholic beverages in public
places—which includes the waterways of Kentucky.
Kentucky law establishes the following penalties:
- Those convicted of boating while intoxicated or under
the influence of any substance which impairs
his or her driving ability will be subject to a fine of $200
to $250 upon a first conviction.
- Upon a second conviction, the person will be subject
to a fine of $350 to $500.
- Upon a third or subsequent conviction, a person will
be subject to a fine of $600 to $1,000, or imprisonment
for at least 30 days, or both a fine and jail time.
By operating a vessel on Kentucky waters, you have consented
to be tested for alcohol or drugs if requested by a law enforcement
official. If you refuse to be tested, you will be subject to
arrest and punishment consistent with the penalties described
above.
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Areas of Impairment Due to Blood Alcohol
Concentration (BAC)
Because you can drink faster than your system can burn
off the alcohol, there is an increasing level of alcohol in your blood.
This level is referred to as Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). |
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