---
title: "What if I was a passenger when the BUI happened?"
description: "Passengers cannot be charged with BUI. The charge requires operation - meaning control of the vessel. If the operator was someone else and that can be established through witness statements, video,..."
url: https://riduiguy.com/faq-items/what-if-i-was-a-passenger-when-the-bui-happened/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The RI DUI Guy"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# What if I was a passenger when the BUI happened?

Passengers cannot be charged with BUI. The charge requires operation - meaning control of the vessel. If the operator was someone else and that can be established through witness statements, video, or other evidence, the case may have an operator identity defense angle that gets charges dismissed.