Drunken Boating in California May Be Treated as DUI

New legislation hopes to tie BUI to California DUI penalties.

A bill is being considered in the state Senate that will make Boating Under the Influence as serious as Driving Under the Influence in California. Since the mid-90’s the Department of Motor Vehicles has been treating drunk boating offenses like CA DUI cases, suspending the offender’s driver’s license. Last year, however, a court of appeals ruled that the DMV does not have that authority. The proposed legislation would establish that authority.

Senator John Benoit’s bill would allow the DMV to suspend a boater’s license in the event of an arrest for boating under the influence. It would also mandate enrollment in an alcohol awareness program. Benoit says there is a need for making the state’s waterways safe for recreational and commercial use. Local harbor patrols agree, citing the responsibility a boat operator has to the occupants of the vessel.

During 2007, there were a reported 55 boating accidents resulting in fatality in California waters. Nearly half of the fatalities were boat passengers and 20 victims were found to be under the influence of alcohol.

Lawmakers and law enforcement officers alike hope that people who venture out on the water first establish a designated boater for safety.

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