Drinking and Boating in Canada

Do you know that you can be convicted of impaired driving if you have been drinking and found to be in control of a railway equipment, aircraft, or any boating vessel? Yes, you do not have to be driving a motor vehicle to get a conviction. Sitting behind the wheel of a parked vehicle while intoxicated can mean a conviction if you were caught doing so.

Beware of Drinking and Boating in Canada

The weather these days is great for boating. If you own a boat, perhaps you’re already planning a trip or maybe planning to have some fun in the sun with your family. During these times, you must do all that you can to keep yourself and others safe by staying away from the wheel or controls of any vehicle if you’re planning on drinking. Do not forget that in Canada, drinking and boating is a form of drinking and driving.

Know that if you’re convicted of impaired boating, your Ontario driver’s license will be suspended, same as when you’ve been found to be drinking and driving on land. Impaired boating does not mean that the boat’s engine has to be running, it applies to being in charge of any boating vehicle with or without an engine. You can be charged with impaired boating in Canada if you’re on an inflatable raft, canoe, sailboat, sea-doo, or kayak while intoxicated. The specific definition of a vehicle that can mean a charge is found in Section 214 of the Criminal Code of Canada.

Serious Penalties

The penalties for drinking and boating are as serious as a case of drunk driving. You can get your Ontario license suspended for 90 days for a charge and up to a year if you were convicted for a first offence. Repeated offences carry more severe consequences.

Once you’re charged with drinking and boating in Canada, the first thing you should do is get yourself a criminal defence lawyer. You need proper legal counsel to avoid legal missteps that can cost you your future. Contact Calvin Barry if you want to hire a criminal defence lawyer in Toronto. Calvin Barry is well experienced in defending cases of impaired driving as well as drinking and boating.