New drunk boating law takes effect in N.Y.

[GLF]

As of Sunday, operating a boat while drunk will get you the same stiff penalties as an arrest for drunken driving.

Supporters of the bill passed by the Legislature in June and signed into law in July by Gov. George E. Pataki note that 28 percent of fatal boating accidents involved alcohol in 2004, the latest year for which statistics are available.

Under the new law, a first conviction for boating while intoxicated would be a misdemeanor with a sentence of up to a year in jail, instead of 90 days in years past. The fine would increase to $1,000 from $500.

A second conviction in 10 years would be a Class E felony, carrying up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. A third conviction in 10 years would be a Class D felony with a sentence of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

The maximum fine for boating while ability impaired will rise to $500 from $350.