---
title: Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Virginia
description: Virginia law prohibits the operation of a boat by an operator with blood alcohol concentrations of .08% or more.
image: https://21118949.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21118949/courses/usa2024/images/images-transparentes/alcohol-limit-hr.png
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![Alcohol boating](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)

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

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[↑](https://aceboater.com/en-us/operating-under-influence-drugs-alcohol-virginia#top)

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