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 Missouri, operating a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while intoxicated. The state's BUI (Boating Under the Influence) laws are enforced by the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Water Patrol Division. According to Missouri law, a person commits the crime of BUI if they operate a vessel on any waterway while intoxicated due to alcohol or drugs. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for operating a boat is 0.08%, the same as for driving a vehicle. Penalties for BUI can include fines, jail time, and the suspension or revocation of boating privileges. Additionally, Missouri law requires boaters involved in certain accidents or who have been arrested for BUI to submit to chemical tests to determine their BAC or presence of drugs.