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 Connecticut, operating a boat or watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while impaired. The state's Boating Under the Influence (BUI) laws are outlined in the Connecticut General Statutes Section 15-133. A person is considered to be under the influence if they have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, but commercial vessel operators are held to a stricter standard with a limit of 0.04%. Penalties for BUI in Connecticut can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension of boating privileges. Additionally, refusal to submit to a chemical alcohol test can result in the suspension of boating privileges. The state takes BUI seriously due to the potential dangers it poses to public safety on the waterways.