Michigan Senate OKs Setting Drunk Boating, Snowmobiling Limits at 0.08 Percent BAC

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to sign bills soon that will subject boaters and snowmobilers to the same blood-alcohol limits as motor vehicle drivers.

The bills approved unanimously Tuesday by the state Senate would set the legal alcohol limit at 0.08 percent blood-alcohol content (BAC) instead of 0.10 percent BAC.

The Michigan State Police want similar limits for operators of boats and land vehicles to ensure they’re operated safely and not a danger to others.

When the legal alcohol limit in Michigan for driving changed from 0.10 percent BAC to 0.08 percent in 2003, the limits for snowmobile, watercraft and off-road vehicles didn't change along with it.

Supporters of the legislation say that having separate blood-alcohol limits sends the wribg message that while someone is too drunk to drive a car, it’s OK to use a snowmobile or boat in an intoxicated state instead.