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 Texas, operating a boat or any watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal, similar to driving a vehicle while intoxicated. The law is governed by Texas Penal Code Section 49.06, which prohibits Boating While Intoxicated (BWI). An individual is considered to be legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher. However, one can be charged with BWI even with a lower BAC if their physical or mental faculties are impaired due to alcohol or drug consumption. Penalties for BWI can include fines, jail time, and the suspension of the operator's boating and/or driver's license. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department enforces these regulations and has the authority to stop and board vessels to ensure compliance with safety regulations, including sobriety of the operators.
