A BUI in Illinois is an acronym for “Boating Under the Influence”, which refers to operating a watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs. This offense is considered a crime in the state of Illinois and can carry serious penalties if someone is convicted.
Boaters convicted of BUI will face days in jail, and jail time, days of community service and may have their boating license privileges suspended or revoked. Boaters must understand the laws and boating regulations surrounding BUI in Illinois.
If you are facing charges for a BUI, contact our law firm at 847-999-7616 to schedule a free consultation and speak with an experienced DUI defense attorney in McHenry County.
What is the Illinois BUI Law?
The Illinois BUI (Boating Under the Influence) law, sometimes referred to as BWI (Boating While Intoxicated), prohibits operating a watercraft in Illinois while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This includes any boat, motorized vessel, sailboat, fishing boat, water skis, personal watercraft, inner tube, or any other type of floating device.
Operating a watercraft while intoxicated is a boating under the influence charge is considered a criminal offense under Illinois law and is punishable by fines, prison time, and suspension or revocation of boating privileges.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits While Boating
In Illinois, the legal limit for concentration of alcohol while boating is 0.08%. This is the same as the limit for operating a motor vehicle on land. If you operate a watercraft with a BAC higher than 0.08%, you can be charged with drunk boating.
The DNR are law enforcement officers with the authority to test boaters for alcohol or drugs and can arrest a person incapable of operating a water vehicle due to impairment. If a police officer has reasonable suspicions boaters may be asked to take a field sobriety test or chemical test, like a breathalyzer.
Refusing these blood alcohol level tests can lead to the suspension of boating privileges, a criminal record, and other additional penalties.
The BUI Law in Illinois Applies to Both Motorized and Non-Motorized Vessels
The BUI law in Illinois applies to both motorized and nonmotorized vessels on bodies of water. It is illegal to operate a boat in Illinois while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The legal limit for operating a boat in Illinois is .08, just as it is for driving a car. A person can be charged with BUI if they are found operating a boat while impaired. Boaters must be aware of the laws and regulations surrounding BUI to stay safe on the water and avoid fatal boating accidents and trouble with the law.
Illinois's Boating Under the Influence Penalties
BUI is a serious crime in Illinois and can carry severe penalties if convicted. A BUI charge can occur when a person operates or is in control of a watercraft while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicating substances.
Illinois law considers it illegal to operate any motorboat with a BAC at or above 0.08% or to operate any non-motorized vessel while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
1st BUI Conviction in Illinois
In Illinois, BUI is a criminal charge for operating a boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol. BUI laws in Illinois are similar to DUI laws. The legal limit for BAC is 0.08%. If someone operates a boat with a BAC of 0.08% or higher, they can be charged with BUI.
Penalties for a first-time BUI conviction in Illinois may include fines up to $2,500, a jail sentence of up to one year, felony charges, suspension or revocation of boating privileges, installation of an ignition interlock device on any motorized vessel operated by the individual, and community service.
2nd BUI Conviction in Illinois
In Illinois, operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense. Penalties if you have previous convictions can include fines up to $25,000, a jail sentence of up to one year, suspension or revocation of boating privileges, installation of an ignition interlock device, and community service.
BUI Resulting in Serious Injuries
In the state of Illinois, operating a boat or other watercraft while under the influence is illegal and is referred to as a BUI. This illegal drug or alcohol consumption offense carries severe penalties.
If an individual is convicted of a BUI and causes serious bodily harm or permanent disability to another person due to losing physical control of the boat or watercraft, they may face additional consequences in addition to the regular BUI charges.
These penalties can include fines up to $25,000, a jail sentence of up to three years, completion of a boating safety course, suspension or revocation of watercraft operating privileges, the requirement to install an ignition interlock device on any motorized vessel operated by the individual, and community service.
BUI Resulting in Death
In Illinois, a BUI is a criminal charge that can be given to individuals who operate a boat, vessel, watercraft, jet ski, or motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs. Operating any type of watercraft or vehicle on Illinois waters with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal.
Those convicted of operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs or a combination of drugs and causing the death of another person may face more serious consequences in addition to regular BUI penalties.
These penalties can include fines up to $25,000, a jail sentence of up to 14 years, suspension or revocation of watercraft operation privileges, boat registration suspension, installation of an ignition interlock device on any motorized vessel operated by the individual, and community service.
Bui That Involves a Minor Passenger
In Illinois, operating a boat under the influence is against the law and has significant consequences. If law enforcement agencies find that there is a minor passenger on the boat while it is being operated by an intoxicated person, the penalties are even more severe. This is referred to as a "minor-passenger BUI" and falls under the category of aggravated BUI in Illinois.
The penalties for a minor-passenger BUI in Illinois or giving alcohol to minors can include fines of up to $25,000, a jail sentence of up to three years, suspension or revocation of watercraft operation privileges, installation of an ignition interlock device on any motorized vessel operated by the individual, and community service.
Talk to an Experienced Illinois BUI Attorney Today for a Free Consultation
If you have been charged by law enforcement officials with boating under the influence in Illinois for failing a field sobriety test, it is important to speak to an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. BUI is a serious criminal offense that can result in hefty fines and jail time if convicted.
At DUI Lawyers 24/7, we can help you understand your legal rights and defenses against charges associated with boating under the influence. Our Illinois DUI lawyers have expertise in handling BUI cases and offer a complimentary consultation regarding your legal choices. Please reach out to us to begin the process.