Take an Official State-Approved Boater Safety Course
Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal in Oregon
BAC limit is 0.08% for recreational operators (zero tolerance for minors)
Penalties may include fines, jail, mandatory education, and suspension of boating privileges
Boating under the influence (BUI) occurs when a person operates a boat or other watercraft while impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or controlled substances. Oregon treats BUI as a criminal offense and enforces similar impairment standards to its driving laws.
BUI laws apply to motorboats, personal watercraft (PWCs), sailboats, and other vessels operating on public waters.
An operator may be charged with BUI if:
Their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit, or
Their physical or mental faculties are substantially impaired by alcohol or drugs
Oregon sets the following BAC standards for boat operators:
0.08% BAC for recreational boat operators
Zero tolerance for minors (under age 21)
Operators can still be arrested for BUI even if their BAC is below 0.08% if they show signs of impairment such as delayed response, poor balance, or unsafe boat handling.
BUI enforcement in Oregon involves multiple agencies, including:
Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB)
Oregon State Police
County Sheriff Marine Patrol Units
U.S. Coast Guard (on federal waters)
Patrol activities increase during high-traffic periods such as summer weekends and holidays.
Yes. Unlike vehicle stops on roadways, officers in Oregon may stop boats for safety inspections or compliance checks without first establishing suspicion of impairment.
If impairment is suspected, an officer may:
Conduct field sobriety evaluations (adapted for marine environments)
Administer a breath test
Observe coordination, speech, and behavior
Refusal to submit to a breath test or sobriety testing can trigger additional penalties, including suspension of boating privileges.
A BUI conviction in Oregon may lead to criminal and administrative penalties.
Typical penalties may include:
Criminal fines
Jail time
Suspension of boating privileges
Mandatory boating safety education
Court-ordered substance treatment or evaluation
Penalties escalate for repeat offenses or if the BUI results in injury or property damage.
Practical ways to stay safe and compliant include:
Designate a sober operator — Assign someone to operate the vessel who will remain alcohol and drug-free.
Avoid alcohol on board — Even below the legal limit, impairment slows reaction time and increases collision risk.
Take a boater safety course — Understanding Oregon laws helps prevent violations and improves judgment.
Stay hydrated — Heat, sun, and dehydration intensify impairment effects.
Can passengers drink alcohol on a boat in Oregon?
Yes. Passengers may consume alcohol, but the operator must remain unimpaired and below legal limits.
Does a BUI impact my driver’s license?
Oregon may impose administrative sanctions related to driving privileges in certain cases, but BUI primarily affects boating privileges. Consequences depend on circumstances and prior history.
What happens if I refuse a breath test?
Refusal can result in penalties such as suspension of boating privileges and may be used as evidence in court proceedings.
Can I lose my boating privileges for BUI?
Yes. Oregon can suspend or revoke boating privileges for BUI convictions, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses.
