Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Alcohol and Drugs

Utah law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). This includes the operation of any motorized vessel while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substance or both. 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 nationwide. Read more about the effects and risks of consuming alcohol.

Utah law states that a person is boating under the influence if he or she:

• Has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams or greater or...
• Is under the influence of alcohol and/or any drug to a degree that renders him or her incapable of safely operating the vessel.

A person under 21 years of age may not operate a motorized vessel with any measurable amount of alcohol in his or her body.

Utah law establishes the following penalties for boating under the influence:

• Upon a first conviction, a person may be jailed for at least 48 hours and fined at least $700.
• Upon a second conviction within a ten year period, a person may be jailed for at least 10 days and fined at least $800. Subsequent convictions have more severe penalties.
• In addition, a person convicted of BUI may lose his or her motor vehicle driver license and be required to participate in a substance abuse program.

A person may not drink any alcoholic beverage while operating a motorized vessel. It is also illegal to carry any alcoholic beverage onboard a motorized vessel if the beverage container has been opened, its seal broken or partially consumed, and it is within reach of the operator.

By operating on Utah waters, you have given “implied” consent to alcohol testing if an officer has grounds to believe you are boating under the influence. Refusal to be tested is admissible in court and may result in the loss of your motor vehicle driver license.

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).