{"id":126505,"date":"2024-03-22T18:22:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-22T18:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/?p=126505"},"modified":"2024-09-06T21:09:07","modified_gmt":"2024-09-06T21:09:07","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-drinking-and-boating-in-texas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-drinking-and-boating-in-texas\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Drink and Drive a Boat in Texas? What to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to Texans on the water<\/a>, there\u2019s nothing quite as important as keeping boating as safe as it is fun. Regarding drinking and boating, Lone Star boaters are all about making the right choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You probably would guess, however, that \u2014 just like with driving a car \u2014 there are laws, rules, and regulations around having alcohol on or around a boat. Alcohol obviously has some huge effects that can be magnified around the sun or water. Since intoxication is a huge factor in fatal boating accidents, it makes sense as to why. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Texas, there are laws in place meant to keep every boater, swimmer, and passenger safe and having fun on the water . . . and for good reason. Here\u2019s everything you need to know when it comes to drinking alcohol (or being under the influence of drugs) on Texas waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can You Drink and Drive a Boat in Texas?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In the Lone Star State, it is illegal to operate a boat if you\u2019re under the influence of alcohol or drugs, no matter whether you\u2019re steering a motorboat or paddling a canoe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, can you drink and drive a boat in Texas? Being “under the influence” of alcohol can go both ways: you can appear to be affected by alcohol usage, or you can have a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .08% or greater. This number is fairly consistent across the United States and goes for driving cars in Texas, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The laws aren\u2019t quite the same when it comes to a boat (for example, open container laws don\u2019t exist on Texas boats), but the level of intoxication is the same. If you operate a boat while intoxicated, you can face big fines, a loss of license<\/a>, and even jail time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While you can enjoy alcohol and drink on boats in Texas, you may not become intoxicated as an operator. As a passenger, you should enjoy alcohol responsibly, regardless of whether or not you\u2019re driving the boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When<\/em> Can I Drink on a Boat in Texas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As a Texas boater, you are allowed to drink responsibly on your boat. However, boat operators may not become intoxicated in any circumstance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are the Penalties for Drinking and Boating in Texas?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In Texas, you may get a BWI \u2014 or a Boating While Intoxicated \u2014\u00a0if you either appear to be impaired by alcohol or if you are found to have a BAC of .08% or greater. Those given a BWI can face big penalties<\/a> and receive a jail sentence of up to 180 days and a fine of up to $2,000 on the first offense.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Texas, boaters receiving a BWI may also lose both their licenses: boating and driver\u2019s licenses. The Lone Star State takes drinking while boating seriously, with penalties including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n