Boating Under the Influence

Utah law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). This includes the operation of any motorized vessel while under the influence of alcohol, controlled substance, or both. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of all boating accidents nationwide.

Here are Utah's BUI laws.

• Utah law states that a person is boating under the influence if he or she:
  • Has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.05 grams or greater at the time of operation or actual physical control or…
  • Is under the influence of alcohol and/or any drug to a degree that renders him or her incapable of safely operating the vessel.
• A person under 21 years of age may not operate a motorized vessel with any measurable amount of alcohol in his or her body.
• A person may not drink any alcoholic beverage while operating a motorized vessel. It is also illegal to carry any alcoholic beverage on board a motorized vessel if:
  • The beverage container has been opened, its seal broken or partially consumed and...
  • It is within reach of the operator.