Oklahoma Bill Would Make Legal Alcohol Limit for Boaters Same as for Motorists

An Oklahoma bill passed by the state’s House and Senate would lower the legal alcohol limit for boaters, matching the limit for motorists. Currently the legal blood alcohol limit for boaters is 0.10 percent. The bill would lower it to 0.08 percent, The Oklahoman reports.

The measure passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature.

Lt. Kurt McKean, Oklahoma Highway Patrol Marine Enforcement Division Supervisor, told the newspaper, “Boating is just as dangerous if not more dangerous than operating an automobile, so it doesn’t make sense that we were letting people drink more on the water than on the road.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents; it was the leading factor in 21% of boating deaths in 2007.

The Oklahoma law would require boaters to consent to an alcohol test or risk arrest. A first-time conviction of boating under the influence of alcohol could bring up to a $1,000 fine. Subsequent convictions could lead to a fine of up to $2,500.

State Senator Bill Brown, who proposed the bill and owns a marina, said factors such as sun exposure, heat and not eating while on the water can increase the effects of alcohol on boaters.