Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

[Bubba1235]

I don't know about other states but the three I boat in (Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska) have all lowered the blood alcohol limit this year. It's now at .08 in all three which for the first time is equal to driving a car.

Personally, I think its a good thing.

"The law comes on the heels of numerous alcohol related accidents on Missouri waterways. The Missouri Water Patrol says alcohol was involved in all the fatal accidents on the Lake of the Ozarks in the past year."


http://www.uslaw.com/library/Missouri/Blood_Alcohol_Limit_Missouri_Boaters_Lowered.php?item=187771

 

[cbavier]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

I didn't vote, because I don't know, because I don't drink. Unless you count Pepsi.

 

[idrownworms]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

Indiana is pretty draconian
You are intoxicated at a level of .08 or greater; however, you may be arrested with a level of .05 or greater.
DON'T USE MOUTHWASH BEFORE OR DURING BOATING ACTIVITIES !!!!!!
jamie

 

[This_lil_fishy]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

Ontario Canada (I believe it's just provincial law) actually applies the same drinking charges as if you were driving. So you get charged with DUI and get the same penalties as if you were driving a car (including drivers licence suspension). The only time you are allowed to drink any alcohol on a boat (captain and passengers included) is if it has a full galley and head, and it's moored. There's also some grey area about if you step off the boat while intoxicated they will charge you with some offence of some sort...I forget the exact details. Either way, they've made it very clear: Water on the water, beer on the peir.

Ian

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

I'm not sure about Virginia, I don't drink when I'm boating unless I'm 1st mate!

I know the legal driving B.A.C. limit is 0.08 for road traffic here. I have a commercial drivers license for my job, and if I blow a 0.04 B.A.C. whether I'm driving a car, boat or bicycle I lose my license to drive anything...which means I loose my job...which means I loose my BOAT!!

Now you know why I don't drink while boating.

BOB

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

I am unsure because I don't drink but my coast guard buddy said that if he cited a boater for BWI that it most likely would not affect that persons drivers license but if the sheriff gets ya for BWI it will affect that persons license.
I also know drunk snowmobiler's lose drivers licenses as it's the state department of natural resources busting them for being all drunk.

Binge drinking is a way of life for alot of folks round here, and drunk recreating is also very popular. I know it isn't just a WI thing either and drunk folks are killing people all over this great nation and world each and every day.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

I am here in Missouri and I find the water patrol keeping a closer eye on those partaking of adult beverages. I dont' drink so it does not affect me, but I think it's a good thing.

 

[luckyinkentucky]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

In Kentucky you cannot have an alcoholic beverage container open while in the water. Also, if you are holding a mug, plastic cup, or anything other than a plastic coke bottle they pay pretty close attention to you. It's the same as the open container law while driving.

Last year on the 4th of July there were 37 incidents on Kentucky Lake that were alcohol related. They had the Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife working overtime. It's good to keep the idiots off of the water if you ask me. From what I gather there were around 500 tickets and 65 arrests made all season last year that involved alcohol.

 

[AguaSki]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

I don't even know what the legal limit is in AZ because I know I can always blow a 0.00. If I don't drink, then I don't need to know the legal limit. I also don't have to worry about how close my BAC is getting to the limit. That is boating freedom to me.

 

[blktout]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

here in ca they are the same if your driving a car and if your cited you have to take a boating class or your drl will be suspended and now they want to put a 0 tolerance on drinking and boating i think this is a good idea my self i have seen to many boating accidents do to someone drinking and being stupid just my 2cents

 

[ddrieck]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

The following is what I could find in regards to drinking and boating in Wyoming. I don't drink and boat so it doesn't affect me directly. However, indirectly it affects everyone through higher insurance premiums and registration fee's. Someones got to pay for other peoples stupidity.


It is illegal to boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. State Operating Under the Influence laws are becoming more stringent.

In Wyoming, the following is considered illegal and dangerous operation:
- Operating under the influence of any drug, or controlled substance.
- Operating with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10% or greater.

As on the roadways, on-water enforcement officers may administer sobriety tests and/or conduct a chemical test to determine level of sobriety. Boating under the influence and can bring fines and/or jail time for those convicted.



Darren

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Are your state's drinking/boating laws changing?

they changed it to .08 a few years back here in MN. They have been very active in patrolling for this the last couple of years. I dont have more then 2 beers if I plan on getting behind the wheel. its just not worth it. Its definatly a deterrent for me.