In Virginia, boaters with blood alcohol content (BAC) over what percent are considered Operating Under the Influence (OUI)?

In Virginia, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% is the legal threshold at which a boater is considered to be Operating Under the Influence (OUI). This means that if a person operates a boat and their BAC is at or above this level, they can be subject to penalties and enforcement actions similar to those for driving under the influence of alcohol.

The 0.08% limit is established because it is widely recognized as the point at which impairments in motor skills and judgment become significant, increasing the risks associated with operating a watercraft. This legal standard aligns with many states across the U.S. to maintain consistency in enforcing boating safety regulations. Lower percentages like 0.05% might indicate that a person is impaired but do not meet the specific legal definition for OUI in Virginia. Similarly, higher thresholds such as 0.10% or 0.12% are not the legal benchmarks in this context, as they exceed the point of OUI determination established by state law.