Boating Under the Influence of Intoxicants

Oregon law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence of intoxicants (BUII)—that is, operating any boat while intoxicated due to alcohol or any combination of alcohol, controlled substance, or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating incidents and fatalities.

Oregon law states the following.

• No person under the influence of alcohol or drugs shall operate, propel, or be in actual physical control of any boat.
• It is also unlawful for the owner or person in charge of a boat to allow anyone else to operate the boat if the operator is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If a person’s Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or greater, he/she is considered to be under the influence.