Boating Under the Influence (BUI) Charges and Penalties in Rhode Island
You can be charged with this offense if you are suspected to be operating a motorized watercraft under the influence of alcohol. The legal limit is .08. Penalties for Boating Under the Influence are as follows;
- A first offense with a BAC of .08- .10, is NOT a criminal charge, but rather a violation. It can carry a fine of between $100-$250, community service, attend a boating safety course, and a loss of their boating license for up to 45 days.
- A first offense with a BAC of .10-.15 or unknown, is a misdemeanor criminal charge which carries a penalty of up to 1 year at the Adult Correctional Institute. A fine of between $100-$300, 10- 60 hours of community service, participation in a boating safety course, and a 3-6 month loss of their boating license.
- A first offense with a BAC of .15 or greater, is a misdemeanor criminal charge which carries a penalty of up to 1 year at the Adult Correctional Institute. A fine of $500, 20-60 hours of community service, participation in a boating safety course, and a 3-6 month loss of their boating license.
- A Second offense with a BAC of .08-.15, or unknown, is a misdemeanor criminal charge which carries a penalty of up to 1 year at the Adult Correctional Institute, including a mandatory minimum 10 days to serve. A fine of $400, potential alcohol/drug treatment, and a 1-2 year loss of their boating license.
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A Second offense with a BAC of .15
or greater is a misdemeanor criminal charge which carries a penalty of up to 1 year at the Adult Correctional Institute, including a mandatory minimum 6 months to serve. A fine of $1000, potential alcohol/drug treatment, and a 2 year loss of their boating license.
- A third offense with a BAC of .08-.15, or unknown, is a felony criminal charge which carries a penalty of 3 years at the Adult Correctional Institute, including a mandatory minimum 1 year to serve. A fine of $400, potential alcohol/drug treatment, and a 2-3 year loss of their boating license. The watercraft may be subject to seizure by the State of RI.
- A third offense with a BAC of 15 or greater, is a felony criminal charge which carries a penalty of 5 years at the Adult Correctional Institute, including a mandatory minimum 3 years to serve. A fine of $1000, potential alcohol/drug treatment, and a 3 year loss of their boating license. The watercraft may be subject to seizure by the State of RI.