Idaho’s boating and alcohol laws state that it is illegal for any person who is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any other intoxicating substance to operate a vessel.

In Idaho, a person over 21 years of age is considered to be under the influence if:

• They have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher.
• If a person is under 21 years of age, they are considered to be under the influence if they have a BAC level of at least 0.02% or higher.

Fines and Penalties for Boating Under the Influence

In Idaho, a person convicted of operating a vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be subject to the following penalties:

• A fine of up to $1,000 and/or a sentence of 6 months in the county jail.
• They may also be required to successfully complete a course on safe boating.
• They may lose the privilege to operate a boat for up to 2 years.

Aggravated Boating Under the Influence (BUI):

Any person causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to any person other than himself or herself while operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is guilty of a felony and will receive the following penalties:

• A sentence of up to 5 years in State Board of Corrections (a minimum sentence of 30 days).
• A fine of up to $5,000.
• The suspension of boat operating privileges for a minimum of 1 year, not to exceed 2 years, after release from prison.

Implied Consent

Any person operating a vessel on Idaho waterways is deemed to have given consent to a chemical test or tests of either their blood, breath or urine for the purposes of determining the alcoholic content of their blood, provided that such testing is administered at the request of a peace officer having reasonable grounds to believe that person has been operating or has been in actual physical control of a vessel.