In Kentucky, it's not only illegal to drive a car while under the influence but also to operate a boat while intoxicated. This article explains Kentucky's boating under the influence (BUI) law and the penalties you'll face for a BUI conviction.
Kentucky law prohibits operating any motorboat or vessel while intoxicated by drugs or alcohol. The term "vessel" includes every type of watercraft except a seaplane.
A person can be convicted of boating while intoxicated (BWI) (also called "boating under the influence" (BUI)) in Kentucky for operating a watercraft while:
In other words—much like how it works with Kentucky's driving-while-intoxicated (DWI) laws—a BWI conviction can be based on actual impairment or the amount of alcohol or drugs in the boater's system. The same is true of Kentucky's
The consequences of a Kentucky BWI depend on the circumstances of the case. But generally, the consequences are:
All BWI offenders also must complete a state-approved safe-boating course.
If you've been arrested for or charged with boating under the influence in Kentucky, get in contact with an experienced attorney. The facts of every case are different. A good DUI/BUI attorney should be able to explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on your best course of action.