---
title: "What is a Rhode Island BUI?"
description: "A Rhode Island BUI is boating under the influence - a criminal charge under RIGL section 46-22-19. The 0.08 BAC threshold matches the car DUI law. Operating a motorboat, sailboat, jetski, or personal..."
url: https://riduiguy.com/faq-items/what-is-a-rhode-island-bui/
date: 2026-05-23
modified: 2026-05-23
author: "The RI DUI Guy"
type: faq
lang: en
---

# What is a Rhode Island BUI?

A Rhode Island BUI is boating under the influence - a criminal charge under RIGL section 46-22-19. The 0.08 BAC threshold matches the car DUI law. Operating a motorboat, sailboat, jetski, or personal watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal on Narragansett Bay, Block Island Sound, and all Rhode Island waters.