Washington State law has recently increased penalties for a BUI (Boating Under the Influence). A BUI is now a Gross Misdemeanor, and if you are convicted you can face up to $5,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Boat operators are held to the same standards as a motorist and can be charged with a BUI if their alcohol concentration is 0.08% or higher. And while there is no license suspension associated with a BUI charge, if the boat operator refuses a breath test, they are subject to a $1,000 civil penalty. A THC concentration (marijuana) of 5.0 or higher can result in a BUI charge as well.

A BUI conviction will count as a prior DUI charge in court.

With SeaFair this weekend, extra BUI and DUI patrols will be out in full force.

Lynnwood DUI Attorney Paul Hanson