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West Virginia Boating Under the Influence (BUI) (2026)

Conditional: West Virginia prohibits operating a motorized vessel under the influence or with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more by weight.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: wvdnr.gov →

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

Boating Under the Influence (BUI) in states bordering West Virginia

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

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 →
OhioConditional
Ohio prohibits operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or more; under 21 the limit is 0.02 (Ohio DNR, ORC 1547).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
Pennsylvania makes it unlawful to operate a watercraft with a blood or breath alcohol concentration of at least 0.08% (30 Pa.C.S. 5502).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania 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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