Boating Under the Influence

Many Tennesseans favorite hobby is boating. It is also a crime in Tennessee to operate a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol. Again the BAC limit in Tennessee for operating a watercraft is .08. The crime and punishments are not the same as DUI and there are several defenses you can raise to BUI that may not be available for DUI.

Most often, the same Field Sobriety Tests and Breathalyzer tests are used for Boating Under the Influence as they are for Driving Under the Influence.

The Penalties for BUI are as follows:

BUI 1st Offense

Fine: $250.00 minimum, $2,500.00 maximum Jail: Up to 11 months and 29 days, Boating License may be suspended for up to one year

BUI 2nd Offense

Fine: $500.00 minimum, $2,500.00 maximum Jail: Up to 11 Months and 29 days Boating License will be suspended for two years

BUI 3rd Offense or more

Fine: $1,000.00 minimum, $5,000.00 maximum Jail: Minimum of 30 days, Maximum up to 11 months and 29 days Boating License will be suspended for 3 years minimum, 10 years maximum