Alcohol boating

All boaters who operate in Virginia must follow its laws regarding the use of drugs or alcohol. 

These laws apply to the operation of a vessel in the same way as vehicules have to obey the rules of the road.

Virginia law prohibits the operation of a boat by an operator with blood alcohol concentrations of .08% or more.  

"Implied Consent" states that by operating a boat, the operator is agreeing to submit to a breath and/or blood test to determine the amount of alcohol and/or drugs in your blood.

"Zero Tolerance" prohibits persons younger than 21 from consuming alcohol and operating a watercraft with any measurable alcohol level (established at 0.02 percent).

If a person is convicted of operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs, the following penalties or both could apply:

  • Imprisonment for up to 12 months
  • Fines up to $2500