Spring will be here before you know it and people will be headed to the lake with boats in tow. If you’re like me, one of the necessities for a day on the lake is a well stocked cooler of beer. In Kansas it’s legal to enjoy your favorite alcoholic beverage while on your boat but just as in driving under the influence (DUI), it is illegal to operate a boat or personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (BUI).
When you operate or attempt to operate a boat on Kansas water, you’re giving consent to an alcohol or drug test by KDWPT Law Enforcement Officers. The penalties for Kansas BUI are strict. Failure to submit to an alcohol or drug testwill result in loss of boating privileges for three months. Conviction in Kansas for boating under the infleunce is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment and loss of boating privileges. You may also be required to complete a Boating Education Course.
What’s the legal blood alcohol concentration for boating?
The blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for boating under the influence in Kansas is the same as Kansas driving under the influence. A BAC of .08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated. If you’re under the age of 21, a BAC of .02% or higher is legally intoxicated.
Did you know that you can become intoxicated 3 times faster on a boat than on shore due to factors of sun, wind, dehydration and water motion?
Maybe you’re thinking you’ll let your child drive the boat home after a day of fun on the lake. Think again…If you’re intoxicated and letting anyone under the age of 12 or anyone born on or after 1/1/1989 who hasn’t completed a boater safety course drive the boat, you will still be charged in Kansas with boating under the influence.
Don’t let a day of fun on the lake turn into nightmare in court. Plan according and you can enjoy both the beer and the boat!