All states have laws against boating under the influence (BUI), which make it a crime to operate a boat or watercraft on a public waterway while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
In Arizona, operating a boat or watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while impaired. The state's laws on Boating Under the Influence (BUI) are outlined in Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §5-395 and §5-395.01. A person is considered to be under the influence if they have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if they are impaired to the slightest degree by alcohol or drugs. Penalties for BUI in Arizona can include fines, jail time, and mandatory education classes. Additionally, if a person has a BAC of 0.15% or higher, they may face more severe charges known as 'Extreme BUI.' The state also imposes penalties for refusing to submit to a BAC test while operating a watercraft. It's important for boaters to understand these regulations to avoid legal consequences and ensure safety on Arizona's waterways.