North Dakota law prohibits operating a motorboat, vessel, or similar device while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The term "vessel" means "any watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water"—so not just boats with motors or engines.
A person can be convicted of boating under the influence for operating a watercraft while:
In other words, you can get a BUI for operating a vessel with an excessive amount of alcohol in your system or if you're actually impaired by drugs or alcohol.
The consequences of a North Dakota BUI depend on the circumstances of the case. But generally, the consequences are:
If you've been arrested for or charged with boating under the influence in North Dakota, get in contact with an experienced BUI attorney. The facts of every case are different. A good 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.