California
IllegalStatute
Cal. Harb. & Nav. Code §655(b) bars operating a vessel while under the influence
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Can you get a DUI on a boat? (2026 State-by-State Guide + Penalties)
Yes—BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is illegal in all 50 states.
April 13, 2026
3,892 views
duiboatbuiwatercraftQuick Answer
Yes—BUI (Boating Under the Influence) is a serious offense in all 50 states.
This topic maps cleanly across all 50 states in the current dataset.
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Why Is It Illegal?
Boat DUI is one of the cleanest 50-state topics in the project because every state has some form of boating-under-the-influence law. The terminology may change between BUI, OUI, or boating while intoxicated, but the practical result is the same: if you operate a boat while impaired, there is almost always a direct statutory path to charge it. That makes this page one of the strongest legal-reference style SEO assets on the site. Unlike horse, donkey, or hoverboard topics, the doctrine here is mainstream and widely enforced.
State-by-State Laws
Scan the most useful states first, then expand the full table when you want every state.
50 states say yesNo statewide exceptions in this dataset
Strong 50-state signalPreview starts with the fastest high-signal states
This topic maps cleanly across all 50 states in the current dataset.
Matrix coverage
50 states
No statewide exceptions appear in the current dataset.
Citation mix
43 Statute4 Code3 Rule
Higher statute share usually means a cleaner legal-reference page.
Reader note
This topic currently reads as a clean 50-state page, so the preview starts with California, Texas, Florida, and New York before the rest.
Jump to your state
StatuteCode FrameworkRule Framework
Texas
IllegalStatute
Tex. Penal Code §49.06 makes boating while intoxicated an offense when a person is intoxicated while operating a watercraft
Florida
IllegalStatute
Fla. Stat. § 327.35 makes boating under the influence unlawful when a person operates a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs or at or above 0.08 BAC
New York
IllegalStatute
N.Y. Navigation Law §49-a prohibits operating a vessel while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs
Alabama
IllegalStatute
Ala. Code § 32-5A-191.3 prohibits operating a vessel or marine device while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances
Alaska
IllegalStatute
Alaska Stat. § 28.35.030 applies operating-under-the-influence law to watercraft, prohibiting operation while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage, inhalant, or controlled substance
Arizona
IllegalStatute
A.R.S. § 5-395 makes it unlawful to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorized watercraft while under the influence of intoxicating liquor, drugs, or vapors
Arkansas
IllegalStatute
Ark. Code § 5-65-303 prohibits operating a motorboat or vessel, or manipulating water skis or a similar device, while intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Real Cases (2024-2025)
Florida
Date: 2024
Event: A wakeboarder was arrested for BUI.
Verdict: Guilty
Penalty: $2,500 fine
What Are The Penalties?
Penalties include fines of $250-$5,000, jail time, probation, and mandatory boater education.
What To Do If You're Charged
If charged with BUI: cooperate with law enforcement, request a test, and contact a maritime attorney.
Need Legal Help?
If you've been charged, consult with a qualified attorney in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
A boat is not a DUI workaround. It is just the water version of the same alcohol-impaired-operation problem.
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