Boating and Alcohol: The Laws

It is illegal in the state of Arizona for any person to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorized boat that is underway while under the influence of an intoxicating liquor, any drug, or a vapor releasing substance which causes them to be impaired.

In Arizona, a person is considered to be under the influence if:

• They have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08, but less than 0.15.
• An ‘Extreme OUI’ is operating with a BAC level of 0.15 but less than 0.20.
• A ‘Super Extreme OUI’ is a BAC of 0.20 and higher.

A person convicted of operating a boat while under the influence can be fined up to $2,500 and can also receive a jail sentence of up to 6 months. Any subsequent violations are punishable by more severe penalties.

Implied Consent

Any person operating a boat on Arizona waters is deemed to have given consent to a test or tests to determine if they are impaired by drugs and/or alcohol.

Arizona’s Boat Accident Reporting Requirements

An operator involved in a boating accident is required to:

• Stop their boat at the scene.
• Render assistance to any person who has been injured or who is in danger so long as they can do so without risking their safety or their passenger’s safety.
• Provide their name, address and boat information in writing to any person who was injured, and to the owner of any property that was damaged as a result of the accident.

Boat Accident Reporting

An operator involved in a boating accident is required to send an Accident Report Form to the Arizona Game and Fish Department within:

• 48 hours, if the accident resulted in an injury or death.
• 5 days, if the accident resulted in damage to property totaling more than $500.