Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Tennessee law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI)—that is, operating any vessel propelled by a motor or sail while under the influence of alcohol or any combination of alcohol, a controlled substance, or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all fatal boating accidents nationwide. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol in Chapter 5.

Tennessee law states that a person is presumed to be under the influence if the concentration of alcohol in his or her blood is 0.08% or greater.

Tennessee law establishes the following penalties.

• Those convicted of boating under the influence are subject to a fine of up to $2,500 upon a first or second offense, and up to $5,000 for the third offense.
• In addition, those convicted of BUI may receive a jail sentence of up to one year (with mandatory probation) and lose operating privileges for one to ten years.
• Federal penalties also may be imposed.

By operating a vessel on Tennessee waters, you have consented to a sobriety test if requested by a law enforcement officer. Refusal to be tested is a separate offense and may result in loss of operating privileges for up to six months.

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

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).