On Memorial Day weekend, Ohio’s lakes and rivers are filled with boaters enjoying the warm weather with their families. During these celebrations, it’s important to remember that boats are considered licensed vehicles, and drivers are expected to follow the relevant laws and regulations. Keeping the following boating DUI and navigation laws in mind will help you have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Speed Limits

To protect property, marine life, and the safety of swimmers, boats are not permitted to operate at higher than idle speed in many areas. This includes any zone marked as a “no wake” zone or within 300 feet of any marina entrance or launch ramp on Lake Erie or the Ohio River.

Safety Regulations

If a law enforcement officer determines that your boat is unsafe, they might require you to take the vessel out of the water until the situation is resolved. Common hazards include insufficient flotation devices, inadequate navigation lights, and any fuel leaks.

Reckless Operation

Every boater is required to operate their vessel in a manner that protects the safety of everyone else on the water. Causing other vehicles to swerve to avoid collisions, boating less than 200 feet behind a water skier, and excessive speed can all result in reckless operation charges.

Boating DUI Laws

Under Ohio law, anyone operating a vessel with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher is guilty of a boating DUI. Penalties for these charges can be extremely serious, including a $150 fine and up to three days in jail for a first offense. For a third conviction, you might face a $1,000 fine or up to a year in jail.

For more than a decade, James F. Bogen, Attorney at Law, has defended Cincinnati citizens against a broad array of criminal charges, from boating DUIs to serious penalties. No matter what crimes you’ve been accused of, you can rely on him to provide the aggressive representation you deserve. Visit his website or call (513) 503-7251 to schedule your initial consultation, and follow his Twitter account for legal news and updates.