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Virginia Boating Under the Influence (BUI) (2026)

Conditional: 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).

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

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

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in states bordering Virginia

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

District of ColumbiaConditional
DC prohibits operating a watercraft while intoxicated, defined as an alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams or more per 100 mL of blood (DC Code 50-2206.01).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: code.dccouncil.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky considers a boat operator intoxicated if the concentration of alcohol in the blood is 0.08% or more (Dept. of Fish & Wildlife).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MarylandConditional
In Maryland, a boat operator whose test shows an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater is considered under the influence and subject to criminal prosecution.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaConditional
North Carolina prohibits operating any vessel while underway with an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more (G.S. 75A-10; Wildlife Resources Commission).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncleg.net · Full North 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 →
West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia prohibits operating a motorized vessel under the influence or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more by weight.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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