ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced a new law effective today will count charges related to boating under the influence when considering past DUI charges.
House Bill 483 includes such charges in a person’s vehicle or vessel operating history to more accurately determine penalties for repeat offenders, according to the Maryland General Assembly.
This comes as two out of 11 fatal boating accidents in Maryland in 2022 were caused by alcohol or alcohol was a contributing factor, according to DNR
Boaters would be subject to charges of Grossly Negligent or Drunk or Drugged Operation of Vehicle or Vessel if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.08% or they are determined by law enforcement to be so impaired by drugs or alcohol they cannot safely operate the vessel.
The penalty for initial and subsequent offenses are:
– First offense: fine of not more than $1,000, imprisonment for not more than one year or both
– Second offense: fine of not more than $2,000, imprisonment for not more than two years or both
– Third offense: fine of not more than $3,000, imprisonment for not more than three years or both.
HB-483 was approved by Governor Wes Moore on May 8 and goes into effect today.
