In support of Operation Dry Water, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division arrested 12 boaters statewide for allegedly driving or operating a vessel while intoxicated (DWI) from July 1 to July 3.
In Louisiana, a DWI on the water carries the same penalties and fines as on the road, including jail time, fines, and loss of driving and boating operator privileges.
Anyone cited for a DWI on the water or the road will lose his or her driver’s license and boating privileges for the specified time ordered by the judge in the case. Also, each offense of operating a vehicle or vessel while intoxicated counts toward the total number of DWI crimes, whether they happened on the water or road.
In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle while impaired. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
