Washington § 90.56.540 - Operation of a vessel while under influence of liquor or drugs — Penalty.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.540 — Operation of a vessel while under influence of liquor or drugs — Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 90.56.540. Operation of a vessel while under influence of liquor or drugs — Penalty.

(1) A person is guilty of operating a vessel while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs if the person operates a covered vessel within this state while:
(a) The person has 0.06 grams or more of alcohol per two hundred ten liters of breath, as shown by analysis of the person's breath made under RCW 90.56.550; or
(b) The person has 0.06 percent or more by weight of alcohol in the person's blood as shown by analysis of the person's blood made under RCW 90.56.550; or
(c) The person is under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or drugs; or
(d) The person is under the combined influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or drugs.
(2) The fact that any person charged with a violation of this section is or has been entitled to use such drug under the laws of this state shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.
(3) Operating a vessel while intoxicated is a class C felony under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
[ 2000 c 69 s 23; 1991 c 200 s 605. Formerly RCW 88.16.220.]

Notes

Effective dates—1991 c 200: See RCW 90.56.901.

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 90.56.540

What does Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.540 cover?

Section 90.56.540 ("Operation of a vessel while under influence of liquor or drugs — Penalty.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

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A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 90.56.540" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

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Sources & Verification

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