Open container law

[Bumpkin]

Do all states have an open container law while boating? Is this something that is strictly enforced where you live? I have been to some places where it is overlooked and others where they enforce it as seriously as they would drunk driving in a car.

 

[WileECoyote]

I don't know about all states but ours does. And if a state doesn't then they need to. I don't think drunk boating is any smarter than drunk driving on dry land. I've seen too many boating accidents caused by drunk or drugged individuals. Not pretty.

 

[campclose]

I'm not sure about all states, but I know our state has a law against having an open container in a boat. A boat is a vehicle and you cannot drink in the boat. You can also be arrested for drinking and driving.

 

[Adventurelover]

I live in GA and while it is not illegal to have an open container in the boat they do have a legal limit of .08 the same as operating a vehicle. I agree with this, driving a boat is just like driving anything else and if you are under the influence you are going to do stupid things.

 

[HillbillyMama]

I'm not sure exactly what the law specifies here in Oklahoma but I do know that I have read news posts about people getting open container tickets on many different occasions.

 

[GPER]

From what I have heard, they will get you here in Ohio.

 

[Isaac]

Indiana has an open container law but on the reservoirs in my area is not strictly enforced. In fact, you rarely see anyone monitoring the waterways.

 

[HikerChick]

There isn't even an open container law for driving here in the Virgin Islands. You'll still get pulled over, breathalyzed, and charged with a DUI if necessary, but there's no extra charge for an open container. Boating is even more carefree...but most of the people here are responsible about it.