← North Carolina boating laws›Boating Under the Influence (BUI)

North Carolina Boating Under the Influence (BUI) (2026)

Conditional: North Carolina prohibits operating any vessel while underway with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (G.S. 75A-10; Wildlife Resources Commission).

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: ncleg.net →

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Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in states bordering North Carolina

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

GeorgiaConditional
Under the Georgia Boat Safety Act (DNR), operators 21 or older may not operate a boat or PWC with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or more.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gadnrle.org · Full Georgia rule →
South CarolinaConditional
South Carolina law (S.C. Code 50-21-114) infers a boat operator was under the influence at a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: scstatehouse.gov · Full South Carolina rule →
TennesseeConditional
Tennessee (TWRA) presumes a boat operator is under the influence at a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or greater.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
VirginiaConditional
Virginia (Va. Code 29.1-738) prohibits operating a watercraft with a blood alcohol concentration at or above the motor-vehicle limit (0.08 per 18.2-266).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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