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 Iowa, operating a boat or other watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while intoxicated. The state's boating under the influence (BUI) laws are outlined in Iowa Code section 462A.14. Under this statute, an individual is prohibited from operating a vessel on Iowa waters if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more, or if they are under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or other drugs to a degree which impairs their abilities to operate a boat safely. Penalties for BUI in Iowa can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of boating privileges. Additionally, implied consent laws apply to boaters as well, meaning that by operating a boat on Iowa waters, individuals consent to chemical testing to determine their level of intoxication if suspected of BUI.