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 New York, operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while intoxicated. The state's Navigation Law prohibits boating under the influence (BUI), which is sometimes referred to as boating while intoxicated (BWI). A person is considered to be operating a vessel under the influence if they have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. However, for operators under the age of 21, the state has a 'Zero Tolerance Law,' which lowers the BAC limit to 0.02%. Penalties for BUI/BWI can include fines, imprisonment, and the suspension or revocation of boating privileges. Additionally, New York requires boating safety courses for operators of motorized vessels, and completion of such courses may be mandated as part of the penalties for BUI offenses.