Penalties for Boating While Intoxicated

Arkansas law establishes the following penalties for boating while intoxicated.

• Upon a first conviction, a person will lose his or her driver’s license for a period of 6 months. In addition, the person may be fined up to $1,000 and jailed up to one year.
• Upon a second conviction within a five-year period, a person will lose his or her driver’s license for a period of 24 months. In addition, the person may be fined up to $3,000 and jailed a minimum of 7 days up to one year.
• Upon a third conviction within a five-year period, a person will lose his or her driver’s license for a period of 30 months. In addition, the person may be fined up to $5,000 and jailed a minimum of 90 days up to one year.
• In addition to the penalties above, a person convicted of boating or driving while intoxicated will be required to complete, at his or her own expense, an alcohol education program approved by the Arkansas Highway Safety Program or an alcoholism treatment program approved by the Division of Behavioral Health Services.

Arkansas law states that a BWI is considered to be the same as a DWI. Multiple violations of either will result in additional penalties. Violations occurring in other states may also be considered penalties.