TWRA enforcing updated BUI Laws

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Many people enjoyed their holiday weekend on our local waterways.

However, a relaxing day on the water can become a disaster in the matter of minutes.

The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency says they are keeping close watch of Tennessee waterways.

An updated BUI law, which just went into effect July 1, has two main changes.

First, the penalties for a BUI violation match those of a DUI.

Second, officers can now obtain a search warrant to conduct blood or breathalyzer tests if a suspect refuses to provide one.

A boating officer for the TWRA, David Holt, said,  “It hasn’t changed our approach at all. We’ve always had the mindset of looking for impaired operators before this law change and after this law change.”

Holt says that in Southeastern Tennessee, six boaters were arrested on BU-\I charges in the last week, including three in Hamilton County.

This is part of a concerning trend across the state,

Holt said, “The numbers in this area, as well as across the state, they’re up a little bit.”

That’s not the only statistic that is concerning.

Holt said, “We have plenty of, across the state, serious injuries and fatalities and property damage from boating incidents.”

Holt says there are many safety tips when it comes to safe boating including making sure all children under 12 have a life jacket and being mindful of the weather.

But most importantly, “Always have a safe operator, a safe, sober operator. Designating a person that is going to be the designated driver for that day.”