Oklahoma DUI Boating Bill Fails in State Senate

Legislation would have made boating while drunk same as driving under the influence in Oklahoma.

A Senate bill failed in committee that would have made the penalties for boating while intoxicated the same as drunk driving in Oklahoma. The measure also called for a boating infraction to count against a person’s driving record.

State Senator Bill Brown voiced surprise in the bill’s failure. Records indicate that boating accidents involving alcohol are on the rise, accounting for about 27% of all accidents last year.

Opponents had problems tying a boating under the influence charge to driving under the influence, clarifying that a license is not required in Oklahoma to operate a boat. Other stated that the law was not drafted well, contradicting even the author’s original intent.

Boating laws vary across the United States. According to the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, a drunk boating incident does not affect one’s driver’s license in most states. In Indiana, however, a boating while intoxicated charge could lead to suspension of a driver’s license, and vice versa. Alaska treats boating under the influence the same as drinking and driving.

Senator Brown plans to re-introduce the legislation next session.

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