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 Minnesota, operating a boat or watercraft under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while impaired. The state's BUI (Boating Under the Influence) laws are enforced to ensure safety on public waterways. According to Minnesota Statutes, it is unlawful for a person to operate a watercraft if they are under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or other illegal drugs. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for operating a boat in Minnesota is 0.08%, the same as for motor vehicle drivers. Penalties for BUI can include fines, jail time, and the potential loss of boating privileges. Additionally, Minnesota law requires boat operators involved in serious accidents to undergo alcohol testing, and refusal to take a test is punishable by law. These regulations are in place to prevent accidents and fatalities related to boating while impaired.