Michigan Bills OK'd To Set Boating Alcohol Limit At 0.08

LANSING (AP) - Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder is expected to sign bills subjecting boaters and snowmobilers to the same blood-alcohol limit as drivers.

Bills approved unanimously Tuesday by the Senate would set the legal limit at 0.08 instead of 0.10.

Snyder spokesman Dave Murray says the Michigan State Police want similar limits for operators of boats and land vehicles to ensure they're safe and not a danger to others.

When Michigan changed the legal alcohol limit for driving from 0.10 to 0.08 in 2003, it didn't also do so in snowmobile, watercraft and off-road vehicle statutes.

Proponents of the legislation say having separate blood-alcohol limits is illogical and sends the message that if someone is too drunk to drive a car, it's OK to use a snowmobile or boat instead.

[House Bills 4441-44 and 4445]