Massachusetts's Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Laws and Penalties

Massachusetts law prohibits operating any vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The term “vessel” means a “watercraft of every description, except a seaplane on the water used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water.”

A person can be convicted of boating under the influence for operating a vessel while:

• under the influence of drugs or alcohol so that substances ingested “diminished the [person’s] ability to operate a motor vehicle safely,” or
• having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or greater.

In other words, a BUI conviction can be based on actual impairment or an excessive BAC.

Jail and Fines

The possible jail sentences and fines for a BUI conviction depend on whether the offender has previously been convicted or assigned to an alcohol education or rehabilitation program because of a prior BUI or DUI (also called "OUI") offense. An assignment or BUI conviction counts as a prior—for purposes of jail and fines—when it occurred within six years of the most recent offense. Here are the penalties:

• First offense. A first-offense BUI generally carries up to two and one-half years in jail and/or $100 to $1,000 in fines.
• Second offense. A second-offense BUI generally carries 14 days to two and one-half years in jail and $300 to $1,000 in fines.
• Third offense. A third-offense BUI generally carries six months to two and one-half years in jail and $500 to $1,000 in fines.

Within these ranges, the specific penalties an offender receives depend on the circumstances of the case.

License and Boat Certificate Revocation

The length of license and boat certificate suspension depends on whether the offender has previously been convicted or assigned to an alcohol education or rehabilitation program because of a prior BUI or DUI offense. An assignment or BUI conviction counts as a prior—for purposes of suspensions—when it occurred within ten years of the most recent offense.

• First offense. For a first-offense BUI, the boater generally faces a one-year license revocation and possibly a one-year boat certificate revocation.
• Second offense. For a first-offense BUI, the boater generally faces a two-year license revocation and possibly a two-year boat certificate revocation.
• Third offense. For a first-offense BUI, the boater generally faces a five-year license revocation and possibly a five-year boat certificate revocation.

So, whereas the criminal penalties (like jail and fines) depend on how many convictions the boater has within the last six years, for purposes of the license and boat certificate revocation consequences, all offenses within the last ten years are counted.

BUI Involving “Serious Bodily Injury” or Death

Enhanced penalties apply to BUI offenses involving “serious bodily injury” or death to another person.

• Serious bodily injury. When a BUI involves serious bodily injury to another, the offender typically faces 30 days to two and one-half years in jail and/or at least $3,000 in fines. However, if the boater was additionally operating the vessel “recklessly or negligently,” the offense carries six months to ten years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Generally, the registrar of motor vehicles will revoke the boater’s license and boat certificate for two years.
• Death. When a BUI involves death to another, the offender can be convicted of “homicide by a vessel while under the influence of an intoxicating substance” and typically faces 30 days to two and one-half years in jail and/or $300 to $3000 in fines. However, if the boater was additionally operating the vessel “recklessly or negligently,” the offense carries one to 15 years in jail or prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Generally, the registrar of motor vehicles will revoke the boater’s license and boat certificate for ten years.

Talk to an Attorney

Massachusetts BUI law is complicated and the facts of every case are different. If you’ve been arrested for boating under the influence, get in touch with an experienced BUI lawyer. A qualified attorney can explain how the law applies to the facts of your case and help you decide on your best course of action.