Yes, you can get a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) equivalent charge while operating a boat in New York. In this context, it is called BWI (Boating While Intoxicated) or BUI (Boating Under the Influence). New York has strict laws in place to prevent and penalize operating a boat or other watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Under New York law, it is illegal to operate a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher or while impaired by drugs. Additionally, an Aggravated BWI charge can be filed if the operator’s BAC is 0.18% or higher.
The penalties for BWI are similar to those for DWI and can include fines, imprisonment, and suspension of boating privileges.
While you cannot be charged with a DWI on a boat, you can be charged with Boating While Intoxicated (BWI). Boating While Intoxicated is a misdemeanor charge that is equivalent to Driving While Intoxicated.
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