Boating While Intoxicated

Vermont law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI)—that is, operating a vessel while intoxicated due to alcohol, drugs, or any combination of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

Vermont law states that a person is considered to be intoxicated if he or she:

• Has a concentration of alcohol in his or her blood of 0.08% or more based upon a chemical analysis of breath or blood or…
• Is under the influence of intoxicating liquor or…
• Is under the influence of any other drug or combination of alcohol and drugs to a degree that he or she is incapable of operating safely.

In Vermont, it is unlawful for a person under 21 years of age who has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02% or more to operate a vessel.