Boating While Impaired at Lake Norman

Boating is a favorite summer pastime in North Carolina. Especially in Charlotte, Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, and the Lake Norman area. Be careful, however, because similar laws concerning alcohol apply to boating as they do with the operation of a motor vehicle.

North Carolina Boating While Impaired (BWI / BUI) Law

In North Carolina, NCGS 75A-10(b1) prohibits the operation of any vessel while underway on the waters of this State: (1) while under the influence of an impairing substance; or (2) after having consumed sufficient alcohol that the person has, at any relevant time after the boating, an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. Additionally, NCGS 75A-10(b) prohibits a person from “manipulat(ing) any water skis, surfboard, nonmotorized vessel, or similar device on the water of this State while under the influence of an impairing substance.” The violation of either Boating While Impaired or “Skiing While Impaired” is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

BWI v. DWI

Boating While Impaired (BWI), also known as Boating Under the Influence (BUI), differs from Driving While Impaired in that it is not an implied consent offense. This means if you are charged with BWI, you do not have to consent to a chemical analysis, and a refusal to submit to a chemical analysis does not give rise to a civil driver’s license revocation. While the police may request that you submit to a chemical analysis of your breath, the consent must be voluntarily given, with no coercion. A refusal, however, may lead the police to seek a search warrant for withdrawal of your blood.

Make Wise Decisions and Be Safe

Enjoy your summer! Have fun boating, skiing, and jet skiing! But, be smart. Understand the law, know your rights, and exercise your rights. Be safe, too. You can have fun, but remember that your fun shouldn’t come at a risk to you or others.

Contact Adkins Lawto schedule a DWI consultation with an experiencedDWI lawyer, DUI lawyer, DWI attorney, DUI attorney. Adkins Law is located in Huntersville, North Carolina and primarily serves Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, Iredell County, Gaston County, and Cabarrus County.