Texas Parks and Wildlife officers patrol the waters of our lakes in Dallas Fort Worth to ensure compliance with boating laws. It is important to be aware that driving a “Watercraft” means a vessel, one or more water skis, an aquaplane, or another device used for transporting or carrying a person on water, other than a device propelled only by the current of water.  Therefore, if you are intoxicated while operating a watercraft, you face serious criminal consequences if you are arrested for BWI.

The following is the law for BWI:

Texas Penal Code – Section 49.06 – BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED:

(a)  A person commits an offense if the person is intoxicated while operating a watercraft.

(b)  an offense under this section is a Class B misdemeanor, with a minimum term of confinement of 72 hours.

“Intoxicated” means:

(A)  not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties by reason of the introduction of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, a dangerous drug, a combination of two or more of those substances, or any other substance into the body;  or

(B)  having an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more.

In Texas, laws against boating while intoxicated are as strict as those for driving a motor vehicle while intoxicated.   Texas law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI).

If you have been stopped for a BWI on Lewisville Lake, Lake Ray Hubbard or any of the Dallas-Fort Worth area lakes and need legal advice, call Murray Bristol today for a free consultation at 214.880.9988.