Boating and OHV Under The Influence

Operating recreational vehicles, off-highway vehicles (OHVs), or boats under the influence (BUI) can carry serious legal consequences in Utah. Whether you’re at Lake Powell, Sand Hollow, Quail Creek, or enjoying the trails near St. George or Salt Lake City, you may face a DUI charge even if you’re miles away from a traditional roadway.

If you’ve been charged with a DUI involving a boat, ATV, or another recreational vehicle, it’s crucial to seek skilled legal representation. At Schatz Anderson & Associates, our experienced DUI defense attorneys in Utah are here to help. Whether you’re looking for a skilled DUI lawyer in St. George or a trusted defense attorney for DUI charges in Utah, we’ve got you covered.

Laws in Utah don’t limit DUI charges to cars or trucks—they also apply to recreational vehicles like boats, off-road vehicles, ATVs, and motorcycles. Here’s an overview of the vehicles involved:

• Boating under the influence (BUI) applies to operating watercraft such as boats, jet skis, wave runners, and personal watercraft (PWCs) while impaired.
• OHV DUIs include riding off-highway vehicles such as ATVs, side-by-sides, four-wheelers, and even snowmobiles.
• Whether you’re boating at Bullfrog Marina or offroading on the trails near Sand Hollow, driving under the influence while operating these types of vehicles falls under Utah’s strict DUI laws.

Utah’s legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.05%. If a park ranger or law enforcement officer suspects you’re over this limit, you could face charges for a DUI or boating DUI.

DUIs involving boats or OHVs often occur in recreational areas like state and national parks, such as Sand Hollow, Lake Powell, or Quail Creek. Specific scenarios include:

• Open Container Violations – Many individuals are unaware that transporting open alcohol containers in a recreational vehicle is prohibited in Utah, which can increase suspicion during a traffic stop.
• Seated Field Tests – Unlike traditional roadside tests, law enforcement officers may use seated field sobriety tests on boats or OHVs, a process that can sometimes yield inaccurate results.
• Ranger or State Park Stops – National and state park rangers oversee compliance with DUI regulations in recreational areas. If you are pulled over in these zones, their reports can become critical evidence.
• Impairment in Hazardous Areas – Offroading or boating is particularly risky when impaired due to uneven terrain, fast-moving water, or crowded trails.

A DUI conviction for boating or off-highway vehicles can lead to severe penalties, including:

• Suspension or revocation of your driver’s license
• Significant fines and mandatory court costs
• Possible jail time
• A permanent criminal record

Additionally, these charges often increase your insurance premiums and can impact future recreational permissions.