Operating Under the Influence

West Virginia law prohibits anyone from operating under the influence (OUI)—that is, operating any motorized vessel while under the influence of alcohol or any combination of alcohol, controlled substances, or drugs. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times. Alcohol is a major contributor to boating accidents and fatalities.

West Virginia law states that a person is considered to be “operating under the influence” if he or she has an alcohol concentration in his or her blood of 0.08% or more by weight.