What the Law Says about Drinking on Boats in Kentucky Waters

If you plan to be on the water this summer, you should know drinking alcohol while boating could land you in legal hot water.

It should go without saying the person steering the boat shouldn’t be drinking. After all, Kentucky’s laws against driving under the influence don’t just apply on land. Just like when you’re behind the wheel of a car, Kentucky’s legal limit while steering a boat is 0.08% blood alcohol content. So what about the boat’s passengers? Can they sip on a glass of wine or some beer while a sober skipper steers the vessel? No. Kentucky law explicitly forbids drinking alcoholic beverages in public spaces, excluding establishments licensed to sell those types of beverages. Kentucky’s waterways are considered public spaces. Additionally, if someone is so drunk they risk putting themselves or others in danger, or even unreasonably annoy others, the person can be arrested. This is established by KRS 222.202. So to sum things up, while there is no specific “no drinking on boats” statute, Kentucky laws rule that behavior out.

If someone is found to be boating under the influence, they face a hefty fine of $200 to $250 for a first offense. For a second offense, the fine is $350 to $500. A third or subsequent violation comes with a $600 to $1,000 fine, along with a potential 30-day jail sentence. It’s also worth noting you could face a criminal penalty if you are intoxicated, but aren’t behind the steering wheel of the boat. In Kentucky, public intoxication offenses come with fines, possible jail time and mandatory treatment for substance use disorder.

Info Via the Lexington Herald