What is the legal blood alcohol limit for operating a vessel in Maryland?

In Maryland, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for operating a vessel is 0.08%. This regulation aligns with the standard limit set for operating a motor vehicle, reflecting a unified approach to ensure safety on the water and adhere to the same principles of impaired driving prevention.

When a boater's BAC is at or above this limit, they are considered impaired and may face legal penalties, including fines, suspension of boating privileges, or even jail time, depending on the severity of the offense and prior convictions. This limit is in place to help prevent accidents and promote safe boating practices, as alcohol consumption can significantly impair judgment, coordination, and reaction times.