{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-738.02.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-738.02.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-738.02.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-738.02.html"}],"law_id":60518,"edition_id":1,"section_id":60518,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.02","catch_line":"Persons under age twenty-one operating watercraft after illegally consuming alcohol; penalty","history":"1996, c. 631.","full_text":"A\n\nIt shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate any watercraft or motorboat upon the waters of the Commonwealth after consuming alcohol. Any such person with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.02 grams or more per 210 liters of breath but less than 0.08 by weight by volume or less than 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in Article 2 (&#xA7; 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 shall be in violation of this section.B\n\nA violation of this section shall be punishable by denial by the court of such person&#8217;s privilege to operate a watercraft or motorboat for a period of six months from the date of conviction and by a fine of not more than $500. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be eligible to attend an Alcohol Safety Action Program under the provisions of &#xA7; 29.1-738.5.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":221257,"text":"It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate any watercraft or motorboat upon the waters of the Commonwealth after consuming alcohol. Any such person with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.02 grams or more per 210 liters of breath but less than 0.08 by weight by volume or less than 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in Article 2 (&#xA7; 18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 shall be in violation of this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":221258,"text":"A violation of this section shall be punishable by denial by the court of such person&#8217;s privilege to operate a watercraft or motorboat for a period of six months from the date of conviction and by a fine of not more than $500. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be eligible to attend an Alcohol Safety Action Program under the provisions of &#xA7; 29.1-738.5.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13558,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boating Safety","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13227,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:14","permalink":{"id":193641,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13558,"identifier":"3","token":"29.1\/7\/3","url":"\/29.1\/7\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13227,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boating Laws","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12934,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","permalink":{"id":193453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13227,"identifier":"7","token":"29.1\/7","url":"\/29.1\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12934,"edition_id":1,"name":"Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating","identifier":"29.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":192277,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12934,"identifier":"29.1","token":"29.1","url":"\/29.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":55333,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-734","catch_line":"Authorization for and placing of markers in waters of the Commonwealth used for public swimming areas; no motorboating, waterskiing in marked area","url":"\/29.1-734\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-734","metadata":false},{"id":73163,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-734.1","catch_line":"Skin and scuba divers","url":"\/29.1-734.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-734.1","metadata":false},{"id":81705,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-735","catch_line":"Regulations for vessel operation and equipment","url":"\/29.1-735\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735","metadata":false},{"id":68939,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-735.1","catch_line":"Board authorized to promulgate regulations for seaplanes","url":"\/29.1-735.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.1","metadata":false},{"id":86125,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-735.2","catch_line":"Boating safety education required; Board to promulgate regulations","url":"\/29.1-735.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.2","metadata":false},{"id":68371,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-735.3","catch_line":"Regulation of parasail operators","url":"\/29.1-735.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.3","metadata":false},{"id":79496,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-736","catch_line":"Boat rentals; equipment; safety course","url":"\/29.1-736\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-736","metadata":false},{"id":82900,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-737","catch_line":"Muffling devices","url":"\/29.1-737\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-737","metadata":false},{"id":87020,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738","catch_line":"Operating boat or manipulating water skis, etc., in reckless manner or while intoxicated, etc","url":"\/29.1-738\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738","metadata":false},{"id":62377,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.01","catch_line":"Operating boat in an improper manner; penalty","url":"\/29.1-738.01\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.01","metadata":false},{"id":60518,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.02","catch_line":"Persons under age twenty-one operating watercraft after illegally consuming alcohol; penalty","url":"\/29.1-738.02\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.02","metadata":false},{"id":58643,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.03","catch_line":"Reckless operation of a personal watercraft","url":"\/29.1-738.03\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.03","metadata":false},{"id":59608,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.1","catch_line":"Analysis of breath to determine alcohol content of blood","url":"\/29.1-738.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.1","metadata":false},{"id":60579,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.2","catch_line":"Consent to blood or breath test","url":"\/29.1-738.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.2","metadata":false},{"id":82349,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.3","catch_line":"Presumptions from alcohol or drug content","url":"\/29.1-738.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.3","metadata":false},{"id":87092,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.4","catch_line":"Additional penalty for reckless or intoxicated operation of a watercraft or motorboat","url":"\/29.1-738.4\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.4","metadata":false},{"id":66297,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.5","catch_line":"Participation in rehabilitation program","url":"\/29.1-738.5\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.5","metadata":false},{"id":87081,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.6","catch_line":"When arrested person operating a vessel; how vessel removed from scene of arrest","url":"\/29.1-738.6\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.6","metadata":false},{"id":85727,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-739","catch_line":"Duty of operator involved in collision, accident or other casualty; immunity from liability; report of collision, etc.; summons in lieu of arrest","url":"\/29.1-739\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739","metadata":false},{"id":54521,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-739.1","catch_line":"Disregarding signal by law-enforcement officer to stop; attempts to elude; penalty","url":"\/29.1-739.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739.1","metadata":false},{"id":83534,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-739.2","catch_line":"Conservation police officers to patrol lakes","url":"\/29.1-739.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739.2","metadata":false},{"id":78906,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-740","catch_line":"Duty to stop and render assistance; penalties for violations","url":"\/29.1-740\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-740","metadata":false},{"id":73273,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-741","catch_line":"Furnishing information to agency of United States","url":"\/29.1-741\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-741","metadata":false},{"id":63883,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-742","catch_line":"Towing water skis, surfboards, etc","url":"\/29.1-742\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-742","metadata":false},{"id":76164,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-743","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-743\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-743","metadata":false},{"id":60382,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-744","catch_line":"Local regulation; application for placement or removal of \"no wake\" buoys, etc","url":"\/29.1-744\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744","metadata":false},{"id":84734,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-744.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-744.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.1","metadata":false},{"id":56497,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-744.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-744.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.2","metadata":false},{"id":58749,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-744.3","catch_line":"Slacken speed and control wakes near structures","url":"\/29.1-744.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.3","metadata":false},{"id":59480,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-744.4","catch_line":"\"Pass-through\" zones; local ordinances; penalties","url":"\/29.1-744.4\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.4","metadata":false},{"id":65520,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-745","catch_line":"Enforcement of chapter; vessels displaying Coast Guard inspection decal","url":"\/29.1-745\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-745","metadata":false},{"id":76264,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-746","catch_line":"Penalties","url":"\/29.1-746\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-746","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":62377,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.01","catch_line":"Operating boat in an improper manner; penalty","url":"\/29.1-738.01\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.01","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":58643,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.03","catch_line":"Reckless operation of a personal watercraft","url":"\/29.1-738.03\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.03","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-738.02\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1996. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?961+ful+CHAP0631\">631<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":[{"id":73688,"section_number":"15.2-1716","catch_line":"Reimbursement of expenses incurred in responding to DUI and related incidents","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-1716\/"},{"id":74660,"section_number":"19.2-392.12","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Sealing of offenses resulting in a deferred and dismissed disposition or conviction by petition","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-392.12\/"},{"id":68842,"section_number":"19.2-52","catch_line":"When search warrant may issue","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-52\/"},{"id":59608,"section_number":"29.1-738.1","catch_line":"Analysis of breath to determine alcohol content of blood","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-738.1\/"},{"id":60579,"section_number":"29.1-738.2","catch_line":"Consent to blood or breath test","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-738.2\/"},{"id":55524,"section_number":"46.2-382","catch_line":"Courts to keep full records of certain cases","order_by":null,"url":"\/46.2-382\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":67410,"section_number":"18.2-266","catch_line":"Driving motor vehicle, engine, etc., while intoxicated, etc","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-266\/"},{"id":66297,"section_number":"29.1-738.5","catch_line":"Participation in rehabilitation program","order_by":null,"url":"\/29.1-738.5\/"}],"permalink":{"id":193683,"object_type":"law","relational_id":60518,"identifier":"29.1-738.02","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.02","url":"\/29.1-738.02\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-738.02\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.02","dublin_core":{"Title":"Persons under age twenty-one operating watercraft after illegally consuming alcohol; penalty","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-738.02","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"A\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">A.<\/span> It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to <span class=\"dictionary\">operate<\/span> any watercraft or <span class=\"dictionary\">motorboat<\/span> upon the <span class=\"dictionary\">waters of the Commonwealth<\/span> after consuming alcohol. Any such person with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or more by weight by volume or 0.02 grams or more per 210 liters of breath but less than 0.08 by weight by volume or less than 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath as indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in Article 2 (&#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Driving motor vehicle, engine, etc., while intoxicated, etc\" href=\"\/18.2-266\/\">18.2-266<\/a> et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 shall be in violation of this section. <a id=\"paragraph-221257\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/29.1-738.02\/#A\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"B\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">B.<\/span> A violation of this section shall be punishable by denial by the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> of such person&#8217;s <span class=\"dictionary\">privilege<\/span> to <span class=\"dictionary\">operate<\/span> a watercraft or <span class=\"dictionary\">motorboat<\/span> for a period of six months from the date of <span class=\"dictionary\">conviction<\/span> and by a fine of not more than $500. Any person convicted of a violation of this section shall be eligible to attend an Alcohol Safety Action Program under the provisions of &#xA7; <a class=\"law\" title=\"Participation in rehabilitation program\" href=\"\/29.1-738.5\/\">29.1-738.5<\/a>. <a id=\"paragraph-221258\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/29.1-738.02\/#B\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPERSONS UNDER AGE TWENTY-ONE OPERATING WATERCRAFT AFTER ILLEGALLY CONSUMING\nALCOHOL; PENALTY (\u00a7 29.1-738.02)\n\nA. It shall be unlawful for any person under the age of twenty-one to operate\nany watercraft or motorboat upon the waters of the Commonwealth after consuming\nalcohol. Any such person with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02 percent or\nmore by weight by volume or 0.02 grams or more per 210 liters of breath but less\nthan 0.08 by weight by volume or less than 0.08 grams per 210 liters of breath\nas indicated by a chemical test administered as provided in Article 2 (&#xA7;\n18.2-266 et seq.) of Chapter 7 of Title 18.2 shall be in violation of this\nsection.\n\nB. A violation of this section shall be punishable by denial by the court of\nsuch person&#8217;s privilege to operate a watercraft or motorboat for a period\nof six months from the date of conviction and by a fine of not more than $500.\nAny person convicted of a violation of this section shall be eligible to attend\nan Alcohol Safety Action Program under the provisions of &#xA7; 29.1-738.5.\n\nHISTORY: 1996, c. 631.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}