Operating under the influence of drugs and alcohol in Virginia
![Alcohol boating](https://aceboater.com/hs-fs/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