{"id":371739,"date":"2016-11-29T17:06:16","date_gmt":"2016-11-29T22:06:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-boating-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-12-20T19:49:06","modified_gmt":"2024-12-21T00:49:06","slug":"california-boating-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-boating-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Boating Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Boating Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Last updated 11\/18\/2019<\/i><\/p>\r\n

California has beautiful coastlines, lakes, and waterways. When you take to the state’s waterways there are important rules that regulate the registration of watercraft, the requirements to operate watercraft, alcohol use by operators, and the responsibilities of those involved in an accident. The following article will help ensure that you and your craft are shipshape and in compliance with California boating laws.<\/p>\r\n

Vessel Titling and Registration<\/h2>\r\n

Any sail-powered vessel over eight feet in length and every motor-driven vessel used in the waters of California must be registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles<\/a>. Details regarding registration are found in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n

Boating Licenses<\/h2>\r\n

California was one of the last states to enact a boater-safety education course requirement into law. A law requiring the development and implementation of a vessel operator card was passed and took effect in 2018. The requirements under these new regulations are discussed in the chart below.<\/p>\r\n

Boating and Alcohol<\/h2>\r\n

Boating under the influence<\/a> of alcohol or drugs (BUI) is prohibited by California law. The chart below contains information about alcohol possession, intoxication, and other issues relating to alcohol and California boating laws.<\/p>\r\n

California Boating Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n\r\n
Code Sections<\/b><\/td>\r\n
Age & Education Requirements<\/b><\/td>\r\n

California boating laws prohibit anyone under the age of 16 from operating a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower (hp). Those under the age of 16 may still operate:<\/p>\r\n

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  • W sailboat that is under 30 feet in length;<\/li>\r\n
  • W vessel used to move between a moored boat and shore or another boat; or<\/li>\r\n
  • Under the supervision of an adult aged 18 or older where the child is between the ages of 12 and 15.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

    California’s new law regarding vessel operation requires that all power boaters under the age of 25 complete a state-approved course by January 1, 2019. By 2025, all boaters will be required to have completed such a course.<\/p>\r\n

    In addition to the boater-safety course requirement, California boating laws require boaters born after January 1, 1998, and operating a boat with a 10hp or greater engine to obtain a boating safety certificate.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Boating Under the Influence<\/b><\/td>\r\n
Boating Accidents<\/b><\/td>\r\n

Operators of vessels involved in an accident also have many of the same obligations held by motorists involved in accidents, including the obligation to stay, render assistance, and to provide information to those injured or whose property was damaged.<\/p>\r\n

A boating accident must be reported to the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways<\/a> under some circumstances. Accidents must be reported if they involved:<\/p>\r\n