Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

The following is excerpted from the 2024 Connecticut Boater’s Guide, published by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

Under Connecticut law, no person may operate a boat or watercraft on Connecticut’s waterways while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. An operator must be free from physical or mental disabilities which might interfere with the control of the boat. The penalties for operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Connecticut have been increased. The laws for boating under the influence mirror motor vehicle law, in which a person shall be considered to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor if the ratio of alcohol in the blood is 8-hundredths (.08) of one percent or more of alcohol, by weight. If one is under 21 years of age the level is .02.

The penalty for a first violation may be: a fine between $500 and $1000. One year suspension of boating privileges, 6 months (at least 48 hours which cannot be suspended or reduced) in jail or suspended plus probation requiring 100 hours community service.
The penalty for a second violation within ten years may be: a fine between $1000 and $4000, three years suspension of boating privileges, two years (at least 120 days which cannot be suspended or reduced) in jail and probation requiring 100 hours community service.
The penalty for a third and subsequent violations within 10 years may be: a fine between $2000 and $8000, suspension of boating privileges for life, three years (at least 1 year which cannot be suspended or reduced) in jail and probation requiring 100 hours of community service.
Penalties for refusal to submit to a chemical test are more substantial than failing the test.

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SOURCE: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Boating Regulations; U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety; Connecticut General Statutes sec. 15-133
PREPARED BY: 211/nl
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: May2024