Tag Archives: Boating Under the Influence

As we all know, or should know, our laws are born with legislation sponsored by our Tennessee State Senators and Representatives. Accordingly, it is an incumbent upon all of us to keep track of what laws are being introduced, or need to be introduced, so that we can provide feedback to our legislators. In this article, I want to provide you with information relating to two Senate bills relating to Driving Under the Influence (DUI) laws that are pending before ... Read More »

A second or subsequent refusal to submit to a breath, blood or urine test in Florida carries enhanced penalties. Recent changes, effective October 1, 2021, have complicated matters for drivers. Under the former statute, a refusal resulting from a boating under the influence arrest carried only a $500 civil penalty, a possible misdemeanor charge, and no driver license implications . Florida Statute 327.352.  A second refusal from a motor vehicle arrest carried an eighteen-month license suspension and a possible misdemeanor ... Read More »

As of July 1, 2021, the penalties for boating under the influence in Tennessee will be substantially increased.  A number of Tennessee statutes will be amended by Senate Bill 0246 in the Tennessee 112th General Assembly to accomplish these changes.  In essence, the change in the law adjusts the penalties for boating under the influence (BUI, BWI) to align with the current driving under the influence (DUI) penalties. The Bill summary states: “This bill clarifies that the offenses of vehicular ... Read More »

Were you aware that a conviction for Boating Under the Influence (BUI) may result in the loss of your driver’s license on land?  It can—in some states, just like Driving Under the Influence (DUI). According to Fox News,  in 2020, thirteen states have laws that revoke a person’s driver’s license if they are convicted of Boating Under the Influence.  The United States Coast Guard maintains a chart indicating whether a BUI conviction impacts and offenders automobile driving privileges in their ... Read More »

Memorial Day weekend begins the boating season throughout the United States.  Enjoying warmer weather with friends and family on beautiful waterways combined with drinking alcohol is an American pastime.  It is not illegal in most states to consume alcohol while driving a boat.  Boaters need to be responsible to ensure that their Memorial Day cheer does not put a dent in their career.  Law enforcement announced increased BWI and BUI enforcement nationwide.  Law enforcement stop boaters for water safety checks without ... Read More »

Effective July 28, 2013, a newly-revised Boating Under the Influence (BUI)  law came into effect in the State of Washington.  Penalties were raised to that of a gross misdemeanor instead of a simple misdemeanor.  There still is no mandatory minimum jail term or fine.  A refusal to provide a breath sample is not admissible at the trial, however a boater can be subjected to a $1000 civil fine for refusing a test.  This legislation also authorizes search warrants for blood ... Read More »