N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission

RALEIGH — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will again team with the State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies over the July 4 holiday weekend for the “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive” campaign.

This annual multi-agency initiative works to ensure everyone can travel on highways and waterways safely during summer holidays. In North Carolina, a driver or boat operator with a blood-alcohol concentration that meets or exceeds .08 or is appreciably impaired by alcohol and/or drugs is subject to arrest.

“Operating a boat while impaired increases your chances of being involved in an accident,” said Lt. Jeremy Harrill, a wildlife officer who will patrol Lake Norman this holiday weekend. “If you are charged with operating while impaired, you will have to appear before a judge. Penalties include a maximum $1,000 fine and possible jail time.”

Harrill said boating at night typically increases on Independence Day, which requires boaters to use caution and to be especially observant. Visibility is reduced and inland lighting rules are in effect. Water skiing is prohibited between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise. Personal watercraft are prohibited on state waters between sunset and sunrise.

Learn more about enjoying North Carolina’s waterways at www.ncwildlife.org/boating or call 919-707-0031.