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 Tennessee, operating a boat 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 the waterways. According to Tennessee law, a person is considered to be under the influence if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or if they are otherwise impaired to the extent that they cannot safely operate a watercraft. Penalties for BUI can include fines, jail time, and the suspension of boating privileges. Additionally, Tennessee law requires that any person born after January 1, 1989, must complete a boater education course before operating a boat with more than 8.5 horsepower. Enforcement of BUI laws is conducted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and these laws apply to all public waterways in the state.