With Memorial Day weekend in full swing, many Illinoisians are gearing up to spend the holiday weekend on the water.
If you’re hopping on a boat this weekend, here’s what to know to make sure your celebrations don’t get you into trouble with the law.
Is it legal to drink on a boat in Illinois?
As long as you’re not the driver and are of legal drinking age, drinking on a boat in Illinois shouldn’t get you into trouble.
However, like while driving a car, Illinois law prohibits anyone from operating a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Illinois law states anyone is considered to be operating a vessel while intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or above, or is under the influence of a drug to a degree that renders them incapable of operating the vessel safely.
Plus, anyone operating a boat or vessel has given “implied consent” to be tested for drugs or alcohol if arrested for operating under the influence.
Operating a boat while intoxicated is a Class A Misdemeanor, however, if the intoxicated operator causes injury to another person or has been previously convicted of the same crime, it could result in a felony charge.
More information can be found in the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Handbook of Illinois Boating Laws and Responsibilities.
