Operating Under the Influence

Arizona law prohibits anyone from operating a motor-powered 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 times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities. The state of Arizona's operating under the influence (OUI) law mirrors the state’s vehicular driving under the influence (DUI) laws and penalties.

According to the OUI law, 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.