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Rhode Island’s Law for Boating Under the Influence

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It is illegal in the state of Rhode Island to operate any boat while under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination thereof.

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

They have a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher.

Blood Alcohol Concentration Levels for Minors:

No person under 21 years of age may operate a boat, waterskis or similar device who has 0.02% or more of alcohol in his or her blood by weight.

In Rhode Island, a person convicted of operating under the influence will be subject to the following penalties:

On a first conviction (for offenders with a BAC level under 0.10%):

They may receive a $100-$250 fine.
They may lose the right to operate a boat for up to 45 days.
They may receive 10-60 hours of community service.
They may be required to attend a Boating Safety Course.
They may have to pay a $500 boating safety assessment fee.

On a first conviction (for offenders with a BAC level over 0.10%):

They may receive a $100-$300 fine and/or imprisonment for up to one year.
They may lose the right to operate a boat for 3-6 months.
They may receive 10-60 hours of community service.
They may be required to attend a Boating Safety Course and/or an alcohol/drug treatment class.
They may have to pay a $500 boating safety assessment fee.

Penalties for minors convicted of boating under the influence (BUI):

The suspension of motor vehicle operator’s license for one year.
The suspension of the right to operate a boat for an additional period of 3-6 months.
The suspension of the owner’s/operator’s registration of the boat that was being operated at the time of this chapter’s violation.

Note: If an operator is convicted of BUI and there is a child under 13 years of age on board at the time of arrest, the boat may be imprisoned for up to 1 year (this imprisonment cannot be deferred or suspended).

Implied Consent

Any person operating a boat on Rhode Island waterways shall be deemed to have given consent to a chemical test of their blood, breath or urine for the purpose of determining the alcohol content. Refusal to submit to testing can result in penalties.