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Massachusetts Boating Under the Influence (BUI) (2026)

Conditional: In Massachusetts, operators with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 are presumed impaired; operating any vessel under the influence is prohibited.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: mass.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in states bordering Massachusetts

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutConditional
Connecticut considers a person under the influence for vessel operation at a blood alcohol ratio of 0.08% (0.02% if under 21).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: portal.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshireConditional
New Hampshire prohibits operating a vessel while under the influence; a person is under the influence at an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (RSA 265-A:2).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nhsp.dos.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
New YorkConditional
New York Navigation Law 49-a prohibits operating a vessel with 0.08% or more alcohol by weight in the blood.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandConditional
Rhode Island's Alcohol Boating Safety Act (R.I. Gen. Laws 46-22.2-3) sets a per-se boating limit of 0.08% blood-alcohol.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
VermontConditional
Vermont law (23 V.S.A. 3323) makes it illegal to operate a vessel with 0.08 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the blood.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legislature.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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