Sports boat license and alcohol: Help with fines and penalties
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Sports boat license and alcohol: fines, penalties and alcohol limit
In the world of water sports, there are numerous sayings and customs that link the consumption of alcohol with seafaring - for example, the so-called "maneuver drink", in which a sip is taken after each successfully completed maneuver.
But even on the water, drinking and driving is not permitted by law. Similar to road traffic, there are clear regulations governing the driving of pleasure boats under the influence of alcohol.
Here you can find out which legal regulations you have to observe and which fines and penalties you face in the event of violations.
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3Alcohol limit on the boat: Important information for boat captains and crew
Alcohol consumption can have a significant impact on physical condition, which can cause problems especially when sailing or motorboating. Alcohol increases seasickness, reduces reaction times, impairs the sense of balance and accelerates the cooling down of the body - all effects that should be avoided at all costs on the water. For boat drivers and their crew, a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 per mille generally applies in water sports. The rules are even stricter in the area of passenger shipping and the transport of dangerous goods, where a strict limit of 0.0 per mille applies. Legal sanctions are threatened even at the first signs of impairment, which can occur from 0.3 per mille. Lake Constance has a special blood alcohol limit of 0.8 per mille. Violations of these blood alcohol limits can be punished with fines, while repeated or particularly serious violations can result in more severe consequences such as the withdrawal of a driver's license or even imprisonment.
Fines for alcohol violations on the boat: This is what you face
According to the current catalogue of fines, anyone caught boating with an alcohol level of between 0.5 and 1.09 per mille can expect to receive fines of between €350 and €2,500. If the alcohol level rises to 1.1 per mille or more, the possible consequences are significantly more severe. In addition to high fines, a medical-psychological examination (MPU) can also be ordered in such cases. In particularly serious cases, you may even face a prison sentence. If you are facing a high fine for an alcohol violation, it may happen that the authorities do not always act legally. Our specialized lawyers are ready to help you and take action against the allegations.
Loss of boating license due to alcohol violations: When is withdrawal threatened?
According to Section 14 No. 1a/b of the Sports Boating License Ordinance (SpFV), a boat driver's license can be revoked if he repeatedly drives a sports boat with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.5 per mille or more or if he is under the influence of intoxicating substances. Unlike some traffic regulations on the road, however, there is no fixed alcohol limit at which the license is automatically revoked after a single violation. The decisive factor for revoking the license is the frequency of the violations. It should also be noted that the boat driver's license can be revoked for repeated violations of the prescribed maximum speed, which underlines the need for responsible behavior on the water.
Alcohol testing on the water:
Strict monitoring by the water police
Since alcohol consumption while boating is still a serious problem, the water police regularly carry out alcohol checks. These take place at locks, in ports and also directly on the water to ensure the safety of all water sports enthusiasts and to prevent drink-driving.
Medicines and drugs on the boat: safety first
The use of any drugs while driving and operating recreational boats is strictly prohibited. It is also important that you carefully consider the possible side effects of any medication you take regularly. Certain medications can increase the risk of dizziness, nausea or other impairments and thus significantly affect your ability to drive the boat safely. Even if medication prescribed by a doctor is legal, you should only drive the boat if you feel completely fit physically and mentally. This is important not only for your own safety, but also to protect all other road users on the water.
Legal advice for violations on the water: Competent support for alcohol and drug offenses on the water
Consuming alcohol, taking medication or exceeding the speed limit on the water can have serious legal consequences, including the revocation of your boating license.
In such cases, we are at your side as experienced nautical law attorneys and will fight to ensure that you keep your boating license.
Our goal is to prevent the withdrawal of your boating license and to ward off unfair sanctions so that you can continue to travel safely and carefree on the water.
- analysis and examination of the allegations
- challenge and review of evidence
- Support with the Medical-Psychological Examination (MPU)
- representation before authorities and court
Our law firm will accompany you through all correspondence with the authorities and will also represent your interests in court if necessary.
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