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 Georgia, operating a boat or watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and is known as Boating Under the Influence (BUI). According to Georgia law, a person is considered to be under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. For those operating commercial vessels, the limit is 0.04%, and for individuals under the age of 21, the limit is 0.02%. Penalties for BUI in Georgia can include fines, jail time, community service, and the completion of a DUI Alcohol or Drug Use Risk Reduction Program. Additionally, the law may require the suspension of boating privileges. It's important to note that these laws apply to all public waterways in Georgia and cover a wide range of watercraft, including motorboats, sailboats, and personal watercraft such as jet skis.