Michigan Criminal Defense Law Blog

Despite some current summer-like temperatures the summer has ended, and the boats are being winterized and stored for the year. This is also the time some of the numbers for this past seasons boating under the influence statistics come out.

Michigan is clearly a boating destination for locals and vacationers, and many of our wonderful waterways are ‘loaded’ every weekend.

Although every state has lowered the illegal limit to .08 for operating motor vehicles – mostly based upon a conditioned agreement to receive federal highway funding – boating still remains .10 (as do ORV and Snowmobile statutes).  Frankly, not as much attention or concern was focused on boating and alcohol.  For example, literally drinking while driving a boat and drinking on a boat are commonly accepted. However, that belief may be changing although the law remains the same