When Do You Need To Register A Boat In Wisconsin

A powerboat enjoyed an outing last fall on Lake Michigan in the Milwaukee Harbor

Did you know that Wisconsin doesn't actually have boating licenses?

Instead, the Department of Natural Resources issues what's called a boating safety certification carte, similar to a driver's license.

It'due south required for "any operator of a motorboat or personal watercraft," according to the DNR. The permit is required for operators born in or subsequently 1989; those born before 1989 are not required to accept a allow.

No license is required for operating canoes, kayaks or sailboats without motors.

FOR SUBSCRIBERS:Born later 1989? You lot must accept a class to operate a boat in Wisconsin.

Hither's what you need to know about boating legally in Wisconsin.

A pair of men riding personal watercraft frolic on Lake Michigan.

What is the age limit for piloting a gunkhole?

There are different historic period limits for various types of watercraft.

Kids under x are non allowed to operate motorboats. At 10 and 11, they're allowed to pilot motorboats if someone is with them who either has boat condom certification or was built-in earlier 1989. Once someone turns 12, he or she can receive their boating safety certification.

Kids under 12 are not allowed to operate personal watercraft such equally jet skis. Kids 12 and over can airplane pilot a personal watercraft as long as they're certified. However, yous accept to exist at least 16 years old to rent or lease a personal watercraft.

Does my gunkhole need to be registered?

Aye. Boats are only like cars in that they demand a newspaper title and a form of identification physically on the boat. You lot can register your boat at the DNR website, where you'll need to fill out an application for a Wisconsin Certificate of Number. Afterward registering, you'll also need to display the registration number and expiration decal somewhere on the front half of the boat where it's clearly visible, just similar a auto'south license plate and expiration decal.

No registration is required for minor sailboats without a motor (less than 12 anxiety long), a sailboard or manually powered watercraft like a kayak or canoe.

Do I accept to wear a life jacket?

No, just yous must accept one life jacket or personal flotation device for each person on lath. You're required to wear one at all times if you're under 13 or if you're piloting a personal watercraft.

If you're on a boat that is 16 feet or longer, yous're too required to have at least ane personal flotation device for the boat in addition to the individual life jackets or flotation devices. In that location are different types and classes of life jackets for different situations, so make sure you take the right ones before you go out on the water.

What happens if I get pulled over?

First, you should know that different government have jurisdiction in different waterways. If y'all're on Lake Michigan or some other federal waterway, the Coast Guard has primary authority, but if you're on one of the rivers of Milwaukee, either Milwaukee Police force or agents from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can cite or arrest you.

You can get pulled over for various infractions, including violating speed limits and wake restrictions. You tin likewise exist cited for obstructing other watercraft, dumping trash into the water, overloading your vehicle with more than than the standard chapters and having people ride on the edges of your vehicle considering of the dangers it imposes.

Can I drink and boat?

Country law says you lot can't be nether the influence of booze or drugs while backside the wheel, whether you lot're on a boat or in a auto. The law also says that in one case you've gotten behind the wheel, you automatically give consent to a breathalyzer test or other OWI tests.

Information technology's safest to designate someone to pilot the boat sober if you lot programme on bringing booze aboard.

Bonus: You likewise can't drink and surfboard, or drinkable and water ski co-ordinate to Wisconsin state law.

For more information on canoeing laws and regulations, visit the Department of Natural Resources Handbook.