Skip to main content

Course Outline

Boating Under the Influence

Person in handcuffs; law enforcement vessel in the background

North Dakota law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI)—that is, operating any vessel or manipulating water skis, a surfboard, or any similar device while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or a combination of both. 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.

  • North Dakota law states that a person is presumed to be BUI if he or she has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10% or higher.
  • North Dakota law does not prohibit people of legal drinking age from consuming alcoholic beverages or possessing open containers in a boat.
  • Unit 4 of 6
  • Topic 4 of 19
  • Page 2 of 4
Back to the Study Guide Index
Progressive boating lesson #1: Get insurance to proteect your on-water adventures! Get a Quote