Oklahoma DUI News: Oklahoma Law Would Strengthen Boating Under the Influence Violation

Penalties would be similar to a Oklahoma DUI in a car. Boating Under the Influence violations would be added to driving records in Oklahoma.

An Oklahoma state senator has introduced legislation that would strengthen the impact of a boating under the influence (BUI) violation. The goal is to reduce the number of alcohol related boating injuries and deaths that occur on Oklahoma lakes and rivers. While boating under the influence is illegal, under current law the consequences are relatively minor.

Senate Bill 1140 calls for the penalties for boating while drunk to be the same as drunk driving in a motor vehicle. The bill’s author, Bill Brown, has stated that watercraft are just as dangerous as automobiles and the punishment for boating while drunk needs to be more severe.

Under the new law, a charge of BUI would be added to a motorist’s driving record. Multiple drunken boating violations would result in felony charges, with increased fines and mandatory attendance in an alcohol evaluation program.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, alcohol is involved with 20% of boating related fatalities. Brown indicated that boating is very popular in Oklahoma, and the state ranks in the top half of the nation in alcohol related boating accidents and fatalities.

If the bill is passed by the Oklahoma legislature and signed by the Governor, it will go into effect in November 2008.

Tags: Oklahoma DUI Laws