While it's illegal to be driving DUI in San Diego California and it may be illegal to operate a boat or a personal watercraft while you are under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, but you won't lose your driver's license over it, attorneys qualify.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has agreed to pay $5.6 million to 753 vessel operators for suspending their vehicle driver's licenses because they were convicted of boating under the influence (BUI.

A Los Angeles court ruled in 2007 that the DMV did not have legal authority to suspend the licenses of those convicted of BUIs. The DMV stopped the practice in 2008, but not before a class action lawsuit was brought against the DMV "to vindicate the rights of California motorists."

Although you won't lose your driver's license, a California BUI can still have serious consequences. BUI convictions can be placed on your driving record, and used to enhance a DUI sentence if you are convicted of a motor vehicle DUI. In San Diego, lawyers will tell you that you are also subject to the same penalties as a DUI, such as jail time and hefty fines and fees.