Connecticut Boats & Watercraft

Boating Under Influence (BUI)

Connecticut: BUI limit 0.08% BAC - same as driving. Enhanced penalties, may affect driver's license.

BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

BAC LIMITS
• Standard: 0.08% (federal standard)
• Commercial operators: 0.04%
• Under 21: Zero tolerance

PENALTIES (TYPICAL FIRST OFFENSE)
• Fines: $500 - $2,000
• Possible jail: Up to 6 months
• Boating privileges suspended
• May affect driver's license
• Required boating safety course

WHAT COUNTS AS "OPERATING"
• Steering the vessel
• Controlling the motor
• Being in command/charge
• Anchored but at the helm

COAST GUARD AUTHORITY
• Can board any vessel
• No probable cause needed for safety inspection
• Can conduct BUI checks
• Federal charges possible in federal waters

PASSENGERS DRINKING
• Generally legal for passengers
• Open container laws don't apply on water
• Operator must remain sober
• Passengers can be charged for interference

ENHANCED PENALTIES
• Accident causing injury/death
• Prior BUI convictions
• Child passengers on board
• Very high BAC (0.15%+)

Boat Registration Requirements

Connecticut: Most motorized boats must be registered. Display numbers on bow, keep registration on board.

BOAT REGISTRATION

WHAT NEEDS REGISTRATION
• All motorized vessels (including electric)
• Sailboats over certain length (varies)
• PWC (jet skis, wave runners)

WHAT'S EXEMPT
• Non-motorized (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards)
• Dinghies/tenders used with registered vessel
• Very small motors (some states exempt under 10hp)

REGISTRATION PROCESS
1. New boat: Title and register at DMV/DNR
2. Used boat: Transfer title, register in your name
3. Renewal: Annual or biennial

DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS
• Registration numbers on both sides of bow
• 3" minimum height, block letters
• Contrasting color to hull
• Validation sticker current

CARRY ON BOARD
• Registration certificate
• Required safety equipment
• Operator's license (if required)

OUT-OF-STATE BOATS
• Most states: 60-90 day grace period
• After that, must register in state
• Some reciprocity agreements exist

Connecticut Boating Laws

Connecticut requires Safe Boating Certificate. Registration required. No PWC operation by minors under 16.

Connecticut requires Safe Boating Certificate for operators of vessels over 19.5ft or with motor over 10hp. Children under 13 must WEAR PFD. PWC: 16+ to operate, certificate required. Registration required for motorized vessels. BUI: 0.08% BAC. Long Island Sound: additional navigation rules. CGS §15-121.

Required Safety Equipment

Connecticut: Life jackets for all passengers, fire extinguisher, navigation lights, horn/whistle required on most boats.

REQUIRED BOATING SAFETY EQUIPMENT

LIFE JACKETS (PFDS)
• One USCG-approved PFD per person
• Must be accessible (not locked storage)
• Children under 13: Must wear at all times
• PWC: Must wear at all times

FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Required on boats with:
• Inboard engine
• Closed compartments
• Permanent fuel tank
• Enclosed living spaces

VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
Required on coastal waters and Great Lakes:
• Daytime: Orange smoke, orange flag
• Nighttime: Red flares, electric SOS light
• Boats under 16ft: Nighttime only

SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE
• Under 39.4 ft: Whistle or horn
• Over 39.4 ft: Bell and whistle/horn

NAVIGATION LIGHTS
Required sunset to sunrise:
• Red (port/left)
• Green (starboard/right)
• White stern light
• All-around anchor light when anchored

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
• Backfire flame arrestor (inboard gas)
• Ventilation (enclosed engine compartments)
• Throwable device (boats 16ft+)
• Navigation rules copy (larger vessels)