Overview
Massachusetts Boating Under the Influence (BUI) law prohibits anyone from operating any vessel under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
A person is considered to be boating under the influence if he or she has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or greater.
By operating a vessel on Massachusetts' waters, you have given “implied” consent to alcohol testing if arrested for boating under the influence. Anyone who refuses to submit to a blood alcohol level test is subject to having their motor vehicle license and vessel's registration revoked for 180 days.
It is illegal for the owner or operator of a vessel to knowingly permit it to be operated by someone under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance.
Penalties
Massachusetts law establishes the following penalties for BUI:
- Imprisonment for up to 30 months
- Fine up to $1,000
- Motor vehicle license and vessel's registration revoked for up to one year
Repeat offenders will receive more severe penalties.
Offenders convicted of BUI and causing serious bodily injury to another person may be imprisoned for up to 10 years and fined up to $5,000.