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 North Carolina, operating a boat or any watercraft while 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. Under North Carolina General Statute 75A-10(b1), it is unlawful for any person to operate any vessel while on the waters of the state while under the influence of an impairing substance, with a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or more, or while substantially impaired by an impairing substance. Penalties for BUI in North Carolina can include fines, jail time, and suspension of boating privileges. The severity of the consequences typically depends on the level of impairment and whether the operator has previous BUI convictions.