California Laws Regarding Boating While Intoxicated

In the State of California, boating while intoxicated carries similar definitions and penalties as driving while intoxicated. California states that no person can operate any boat or personal watercraft (including manipulating water skis or an inner tube) if that person is under the influence of alcohol. As with DUI, California specifies a legal limit for intoxication of .08%. Anything over .08% will bring fines, possible license suspension, and possible jail time.

California also has laws regarding underage boating while intoxicated. Any person under the age of 21 in California may not operate a boat, Jet Ski, water skis, or any similar devices if they have a blood alcohol level of .01% or more. No matter the situation, boating while intoxicated in California can have serious repercussions.

*Not having any alcohol on a watercraft is the safest way for everyone to enjoy boating. The person operating the craft is not the only one at risk (intoxicated passengers are also at risk of injury and falling overboard).