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 Massachusetts, operating a boat or any other watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while impaired. The state's laws against Boating Under the Influence (BUI) are outlined in Chapter 90B, Section 8 of the Massachusetts General Laws. An individual is considered to be under the influence if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if their normal faculties are impaired due to alcohol or drug consumption. Penalties for BUI can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of boating privileges. Additionally, Massachusetts law requires that any boat operator involved in a serious boating accident submit to a chemical test to determine BAC or presence of drugs. Refusal to submit to a chemical test can result in the suspension of boating privileges. Enforcement is carried out by the Massachusetts Environmental Police and other law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction over the state's waterways.