---
title: Boating and use of drugs or alcohol in California
description: If a boater has a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher... What blood alcohol concentration level is it illegal for a person younger than 21 to operate...
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![Boating and use of drugs or alcohol in California](https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/21118949/hubfs/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/police-boat-hr.png?width=1100&height=619&name=police-boat-hr.png)

Boaters operating in California are subject to its laws governing the use of drugs or alcohol. No one is allowed to drive a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and operating a power craft in this way is a criminal offense. 

Operating any vessel, personal watercraft, water skis or similar recreational equipment while intoxicated is against the law. Alcohol and drugs impair judgment and coordination — two qualities essential for safe boating.

### What is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits in California?

**If a boater has a blood alcohol level**** of 0.08% or higher, he/she ****shall be considered to be under the influence of alcohol.**

Evidence of a level of at least 0.05%, but less than 0.08%, can be used by authorities, along with other evidence in order to determine if the person was operating a watercraft while intoxicated by alcohol.

### What blood alcohol concentration level is it illegal for a person younger than 21 to operate a vessel?

**If a person is under**** 21, that person may not operate a watercraft if it is operated with any measurable alcohol level (set at 0.01% or higher).**

### Can you drink and drive a boat in California?

**It is against the law to operate a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs.  **

### Can you drink while being a passenger on a boat?

While it isn't illegal to drink alcohol on a boat, it is against the law to operate a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. The blood alcohol limit for boating is the same as that for driving a car - 0.08%.

### What is the penalty for BUI in California?

Anyone convicted of operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is liable to a fine of up to $1,000 and/or one year in the county jail.

**It is recommended that neither boat operators nor passengers drink alcoholic beverages while boating.**

### Facts about Consuming Alcohol While Boating:

- Intoxicated passengers can easily fall overboard, swim near the propeller, lean over the side, or stand up in small vessels, causing vessels to capsize.
- Sun, wind, boat and wave action intensify the effects of alcohol.
- Alcohol greatly increases the effects of hypothermia.

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