Source: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/2018/cite/86B/full
Timestamp: 2020-08-13 11:58:25
Document Index: 438000169

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 9', 'art 9', 'art 3', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 4', 'art 9', 'art 5', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 4', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 5', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 5', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 9', 'art 3', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 8', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 4', 'art 21', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 4', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 9', 'art 2', 'art 9', 'art 69', 'art 67', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 2', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 9', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 3', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10', 'art 1', 'art 10']

﻿ Ch. 86B MN Statutes
CHAPTER 86B. WATER SAFETY AND WATERCRAFT
86B.001 WATER USE POLICY.
86B.005 DEFINITIONS.
86B.105 SHERIFF'S SAFETY PROGRAM.
86B.106 BARRING VEHICLES FROM UNSAFE ICE.
86B.107 REMOVAL OF SUBMERGED VEHICLES FROM WATERS OF THE STATE.
86B.111 NAVIGATION MARKERS AND BUOYS.
86B.115 USE OF DOCKS AND STRUCTURES FOR ADVERTISING.
86B.121 RACES, COMPETITIONS, AND EXHIBITIONS.
86B.125 LEASED WATERCRAFT.
86B.13 AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES PREVENTION PROGRAM.
REGULATING USE OF SURFACE WATER
86B.201 STATE LAW AND LOCAL ORDINANCE AUTHORITY.
86B.205 WATER SURFACE USE ORDINANCE.
86B.211 WATER SAFETY RULES.
86B.301 WATERCRAFT LICENSES REQUIRED.
86B.305 YOUTH OPERATORS.
86B.311 GENERAL RULES FOR OPERATION.
86B.313 PERSONAL WATERCRAFT; REGULATIONS.
86B.315 TOWING PERSON ON WATER SKIS OR OTHER DEVICE.
86B.321 NOISE LIMITS.
86B.325 DISCHARGE FROM MARINE TOILETS PROHIBITED.
86B.331 OPERATION WHILE USING ALCOHOL OR DRUGS OR WITH A PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY.
86B.335 TESTING FOR ALCOHOL AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES.
86B.337 [Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]
86B.341 DUTIES AND LIABILITIES AT ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT.
86B.401 WATERCRAFT LICENSES.
86B.405 DEALER'S LICENSE.
86B.411 GOVERNMENT WATERCRAFT LICENSES.
86B.415 LICENSE FEES.
86B.421 LICENSING BY POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS.
WATERCRAFT EQUIPMENT
86B.501 PERSONAL FLOTATION AND LIFESAVING DEVICES.
86B.505 WATERCRAFT CAPACITY PLATES.
86B.508 [Repealed, 2012 c 272 s 98]
86B.511 LIGHTS.
86B.515 SIRENS AND SOUND-PRODUCING DEVICES.
86B.521 MOTORBOAT NOISE CONTROL.
86B.525 DEVICE FOR ARRESTING BACKFIRE.
86B.531 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND FUEL AREA VENTILATION.
86B.532 CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTION; SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS.
86B.535 MARINE TOILETS.
86B.601 SCUBA DIVING.
WATER SAFETY FUNDING
86B.701 FUNDING COUNTY WATER SAFETY.
86B.705 ALLOCATION OF WATER RECREATION ACCOUNT AND FINES AND FORFEITED BAIL MONEY.
86B.706 WATER RECREATION ACCOUNT; RECEIPTS AND PURPOSE.
86B.801 ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY.
86B.805 ENFORCEMENT WATERCRAFT.
86B.811 CRIMINAL PENALTIES.
86B.815 VIOLATION AS EVIDENCE IN CIVIL ACTION.
WATERCRAFT TITLING
86B.820 DEFINITIONS.
86B.825 CERTIFICATE OF TITLE REQUIRED.
86B.830 APPLICATION AND ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE OF TITLE.
86B.835 DEALER ACQUISITION AND TRANSFER.
86B.840 TRANSFER BY OWNER.
86B.841 TRANSFER-ON-DEATH TITLE TO WATERCRAFT.
86B.845 TEMPORARY WATERCRAFT USE PERMITS.
86B.850 DUPLICATE CERTIFICATE.
86B.855 SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATE.
86B.860 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMISSIONER.
86B.865 PENALTIES.
86B.870 TITLE FEES.
86B.875 INAPPLICABLE LIENS AND SECURITY INTERESTS.
86B.880 SECURITY INTERESTS.
86B.890 LICENSED WATERCRAFT PREVIOUSLY PERFECTED.
86B.895 SATISFACTION OF SECURITY INTEREST.
86B.900 DISCLOSURE OF SECURITY AGREEMENT.
86B.905 EFFECT OF SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION ON SECURITY INTEREST.
86B.910 PREVIOUSLY LICENSED WATERCRAFT UNDISCLOSED SECURITY INTERESTS.
86B.915 LIENS ATTACHING TO WATERCRAFT.
86B.920 STOLEN WATERCRAFT.
It is the policy of this state, which is blessed with an abundance of water, to promote its full use and enjoyment by all of the people, now and in the future, to promote safety for persons and property in connection with the use of the waters of the state, to promote uniformity of laws relating to the use, and to conform with use requirements of the United States.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 1
Subd. 4.Dealer.
"Dealer" means a person:
(1) engaged in the business of manufacturing or selling new or used watercraft;
(2) having an established place of business for the sale, trade, and display of the watercraft; and
(3) having in possession watercraft for the purpose of sale or trade.
Subd. 4a.Enclosed accommodation compartment.
"Enclosed accommodation compartment" means one contiguous space surrounded by boat structure that contains all of the following:
(1) designated sleeping accommodations;
(2) a galley area with sink; and
(3) a head compartment.
Subd. 4b.Enclosed occupancy compartment.
"Enclosed occupancy compartment" means one contiguous enclosed space surrounded by boat structure that may be occupied by a person.
Subd. 5.Horsepower.
"Horsepower" means the power rating established for a motor by the manufacturer or, if a rating is not established, the power rating established by the commissioner.
Subd. 6.Length.
"Length" of a watercraft means the straight-line distance from the foremost part of the craft to the aftermost part of the craft, measured parallel to the centerline, excluding sheer. Bowsprits, outboard motor brackets, rudders, and other attachments are not included in the length measurement.
"License" means the authentic document used to designate the numbers assigned a watercraft and to renew the designation.
Subd. 8.License agent.
"License agent" means the commissioner of natural resources, the commissioner of public safety, and deputy registrars of motor vehicles acting under section 168.33.
Subd. 8a.Marine carbon monoxide detection system.
"Marine carbon monoxide detection system" means a device or system for detecting carbon monoxide that is certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to conform to current UL Standards for use on recreational boats.
Subd. 9.Motorboat.
"Motorboat" means a watercraft propelled in any manner by machinery, including watercraft temporarily equipped with detachable motors.
Subd. 10.Operate.
"Operate" means to navigate or otherwise use a watercraft.
Subd. 11.Operator.
"Operator" means the person who operates or controls the navigation or use of a watercraft.
Subd. 12.Owner.
"Owner" means a person having a property right or title to a watercraft other than a security interest. Owner includes a person entitled to the use or possession of a watercraft, subject to an interest in another person, reserved or created by agreement that secures payment or performance of an obligation, but owner does not include a lessee under a lease not intended as security.
Subd. 13.Paddleboat.
"Paddleboat" means a nonmotorized watercraft 19 feet in length or less that is propelled solely by a paddle wheel peddled by an operator or passenger.
"Person" means an individual, partnership, corporation, the state and its agencies and subdivisions, and any other legal entity.
Subd. 14a.Personal watercraft.
"Personal watercraft" means a motorboat that:
(1) is powered by an inboard motor powering a water jet pump or by an outboard or propeller-driven motor; and
(2) is designed to be operated by a person or persons sitting, standing, or kneeling on the craft, rather than in the conventional manner of sitting or standing inside a motorboat.
Subd. 15.Rent.
"Rent" watercraft means to make a watercraft available for the use of others in connection with a business.
Subd. 15a.Rice boat.
Subd. 16.Sailboard.
"Sailboard" means a single passenger, nonmotorized watercraft using a surfboard type hull and a free sail system which, without capsizing, allows the sail to lie flat in the water when not being supported by the operator.
Subd. 16a.Slow-no wake.
"Slow-no wake" means operation of a watercraft at the slowest possible speed necessary to maintain steerage, but in no case greater than five miles per hour.
Subd. 17.Underway or in use.
"Underway or in use" means a watercraft in operation or use unless it is securely fastened to a dock or other permanent mooring.
Subd. 18.Watercraft.
(1) a waterfowl boat during the waterfowl-hunting seasons;
Subd. 18a.Waterfowl boat.
Subd. 19.Waters of this state.
"Waters of this state" means waters capable of substantial beneficial public use and waters to which the public has access that are within the territorial limits of this state, including boundary waters.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 2; 1991 c 225 s 1,2; 2013 c 121 s 21-23; 2016 c 189 art 3 s 23-25; 2018 c 115 s 1
(a) The sheriff of each county shall maintain a program of search, rescue, buoying or marking, patrol, removal of hazards to navigation, and inspection of watercraft for rent, lease, or hire. The sheriff shall prohibit the use of any watercraft or safety equipment for rent, lease, or hire that does not comply with the standards of safety for the watercraft or equipment prescribed by the commissioner. The sheriff shall investigate watercraft accidents and drownings and report findings to the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner.
(b) The county board may authorize the employment of additional personnel to carry out the provisions of this section.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 4
(a) Whenever ice conditions on a body of water deteriorate to such an extent that there is substantial danger to persons using motorized vehicles, including snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles, the sheriff of the county where the body of water is located may prohibit or restrict the use of motorized vehicles on all or a portion of the body of water. If the body of water is located in more than one county, all counties involved must coordinate any prohibitions or restrictions that are imposed. A county sheriff acting under this section shall, as soon as practicable, post all common access sites and publicize the prohibitions or restrictions. The commissioner must be notified immediately and may review and suspend any restrictions imposed. Restrictions may be lifted as soon as conditions warrant.
(b) A person may not operate a motorized vehicle in violation of a prohibition or restriction imposed under this section.
(c) This section does not apply to a person who:
(1) is a member of a sanctioned circuit watercross association and can provide proof of membership;
(2) operates a snowmobile with a silenced exhaust and is practicing for a sanctioned event; and
(3) receives written permission from a conservation officer who must set the date, time, and location of the practice.
1992 c 584 s 1; 1Sp2001 c 2 s 90
(a) For purposes of this section, "vehicle" means a motor vehicle as defined in section 97A.015, subdivision 32, or a watercraft as defined in section 86B.005, subdivision 18.
(b) For purposes of this section, "owner" means the registered owner, last registered owner, or legal owner of a vehicle if the vehicle is not registered.
Subd. 2.Responsibility for removal.
(a) The owner of a submerged vehicle is responsible for removing the vehicle from waters of the state, unless the vehicle is permitted or otherwise exempt from removal. Removal must be completed within 30 days of the vehicle entering the water or being discovered in the water, unless the owner is notified in writing by the political subdivision having jurisdiction that the removal must be completed sooner. Upon request of the political subdivision the commissioner may extend the 30-day time period for removal.
(b) The owner of the vehicle shall report that the vehicle is submerged in a body of water. The owner shall report the date and the circumstances surrounding the submergence to the sheriff of the county where the body of water is located within 48 hours of the vehicle entering the water.
(c) If the vehicle is not removed according to paragraph (a), the political subdivision in whose jurisdiction the lake or watercourse is located shall remove the vehicle. The owner of the vehicle is subject to a civil penalty of not less than twice nor more than five times the costs incurred by the political subdivision to remove, process, and dispose of the vehicle. Civil penalties imposed under this section may be enforced and distributed as provided in section 115A.99.
(d) The owner of a submerged vehicle is not responsible for removal of the vehicle if the vehicle was used without the owner's knowledge. This includes, but is not limited to, the operation of a vehicle that was under the control of a member of the owner's household. If the driver or operator of the vehicle is known, the driver or operator is responsible for removing the vehicle according to this section.
2001 c 185 s 15
Subdivision 1.Permit for placement of navigation hazards.
The commissioner may require that a permit is obtained for the placement of a structure or device determined by the commissioner to constitute a hazard to navigation.
Subd. 2.Removal and damage to buoys prohibited.
Except as authorized by the commissioner, a person may not obstruct, remove, damage, or destroy a buoy or structure placed in the waters of this state in accordance with this chapter or by authority of the United States.
Subd. 3.Uniform marking required for buoys.
A person may not place buoys or other waterway markers unless the markers conform with the uniform marking system established by the commissioner.
Subd. 4.Government does not have duty to mark all hazards.
The marking of certain hazards to navigation on, in, or adjacent to the waters of this state by a governmental agency does not incur a duty to mark all navigational hazards by the agency or another agency.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 5
A person may not use a fixed or anchored structure on the waters of this state, not a part of a pier or dock extending from shore, for advertising purposes.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 6; 1992 c 464 art 1 s 11
(a) A person may not hold or sponsor any scheduled or public race, regatta, tournament or other competition or exhibition, or trial race on water or ice, whether or not involving watercraft, without first having obtained a written permit from the sheriff of the county where the event is to originate.
(b) The sheriff, in the permit, may exempt watercraft from any of the provisions of this chapter relating to the licensing, operation, and equipment of watercraft while participating in the event authorized.
(c) The county's issuance of a permit under this section does not make the county liable for any injury occurring at the event.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 7; 1992 c 584 s 2; 1997 c 204 s 1
Subdivision 1.Safety standards.
The commissioner shall prescribe safety standards for watercraft offered for lease, rent, or hire.
Subd. 2.Suspension or revocation of license.
(a) The commissioner may suspend or revoke the license of a watercraft offered for rent, lease, or hire:
(1) that does not comply with the safety standards for the watercraft; and
(2) for which the watercraft owner fails to keep a record of the name and address of the person renting, leasing, or hiring the watercraft, the license number of the watercraft, the date and time the person takes possession, and the expected time of return of the watercraft.
(b) The record of renting, leasing, or hiring must be preserved for at least six months.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 8
The commissioner shall establish a statewide course in preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species. The commissioner must develop an educational course and testing program that address identification of aquatic invasive species and best practices to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species when moving water-related equipment, as defined under section 84D.01, subdivision 18a.
Subd. 1a.Training for offenders.
[Repealed, 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 150]
Subd. 3.Contracting for services.
The commissioner may contract for services to provide training and testing services under this section.
2012 c 272 s 21; 2013 c 121 s 24
Subdivision 1.Application of state law.
The provisions of this chapter and of other applicable laws of this state shall govern the operation, equipment, numbering, and all other related matters for a watercraft operated on the waters of this state, or the time when an activity regulated by this chapter may take place.
Subd. 2.Local authority to adopt ordinance.
(a) This chapter does not limit the authority of a political subdivision of this state to adopt regulations that are not inconsistent with this chapter and the rules of the commissioner relating to the use of waters of this state that are wholly or partly within the territorial boundaries of a county or entirely within the boundaries of a city.
(b) A city of the first class of over 200,000 or the park board of the city may forbid the use of motorboats or boats with attached motors on its lakes.
Subd. 3.Nonmotorized carry-on access.
A person may access any public waters through public land with a hand-carried nonmotorized watercraft.
Subd. 4.Construction area restrictions.
The commissioner, after consulting with the governmental units and contractors involved in a construction project, may adopt, by written order, temporary water surface use controls for recreational uses at public construction and maintenance sites that cross or are adjacent to waters of the state for a period of time not to exceed the duration of the construction or maintenance project. Temporary controls adopted under this subdivision are exempt from the rulemaking requirements of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 9; 1997 c 226 s 11; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 5
Subdivision 1.Assistance.
The commissioner shall develop and publish guidelines to assist counties adopting water surface use ordinances for waters within their jurisdiction.
Subd. 2.Surface use ordinances.
(a) A county board may, by ordinance, regulate the surface use of bodies of water located entirely or partially within the county and not located entirely within the boundary of a single city or lake conservation district established by law.
(b) If a body of water is located within more than one county, a surface use ordinance is not effective until adopted by the county boards of all the counties where the body of water lies under section 471.59 or placed into effect by order of the commissioner under subdivision 9.
(c) With the authorization of an affected city or lake conservation district, a county board may assume and exercise the powers in subdivisions 2 to 5 with respect to bodies of water lying entirely within that city or lake conservation district. The regulation by the county of the surface use of a portion of a body of water located within the boundary of a city must be consistent with any city regulation existing on May 25, 1973, of the surface use of that portion of the body of water. After January 1, 1975, the ordinance must be consistent with the provisions of this chapter and rules of the commissioner under this chapter.
Subd. 3.Prior ordinances invalid without approval.
A surface use zoning ordinance adopted under subdivisions 2 to 5 by a local governmental unit after May 25, 1973, is invalid unless it is approved by the commissioner.
Subd. 4.Approval of ordinances.
A proposed surface use zoning ordinance must be submitted to the commissioner for review and approval before adoption. The commissioner must approve or disapprove the proposed ordinance within 120 days after receiving it. If the commissioner disapproves the proposed ordinance, the commissioner must return it to the local governmental unit with a written statement of the reasons for disapproval.
Subd. 5.County regulatory authority.
A county board may:
(1) regulate and police public beaches, public docks, and other public facilities for access to a body of water, except:
(i) regulations are subject to subdivision 6;
(ii) a county board may not regulate state accesses; and
(iii) a municipality may by ordinance preempt the county from exercising power under this subdivision within its jurisdiction;
(2) regulate the construction, configuration, size, location, and maintenance of commercial marinas and their related facilities including parking areas and sanitary facilities in a manner consistent with other state law and the rules of the commissioner of natural resources, the Pollution Control Agency, and the commissioner of health, and with the applicable municipal building codes and zoning ordinances where the marinas are located;
(3) regulate the construction, installation, and maintenance of permanent and temporary docks and moorings in a manner consistent with state and federal law, permits required under chapter 103G, and sections 86B.111 and 86B.115;
(4) except as provided in subdivision 6, regulate the type and size of watercraft allowed to use the body of water and set access fees;
(5) subject to subdivision 6, limit the types and horsepower of motors used on the body of water;
(6) limit the use of the body of water at various times and the use of various parts of the body of water;
(7) regulate the speed of watercraft on the body of water and the conduct of other activities on the body of water to secure the safety of the public and the most general public use; and
(8) contract with other law enforcement agencies to police the body of water and its shore.
Subd. 6.Public access restrictions.
The county board must allow the same types and sizes of watercraft and horsepower of motors to access and enter the lake or water body as are generally allowed to be operated on the lake or water body. Special use exceptions that are not dependent on lakeshore or property ownership may be granted by permit.
Subd. 7.County acquisition of public access.
A county board may acquire by purchase, gift, or devise land for public access to a lake or stream and may improve the land as a park or playground if the land is less than ten acres and is contiguous to the meander line of a navigable lake or stream wholly or partly within the county and not entirely within the corporate limits of a city.
Subd. 8.Advisory assistance.
The county board may invite any municipal council or town board or the soil and water conservation district board of supervisors or watershed district board of managers to designate a representative to advise and consult with the county board on water use regulation and improvement.
Subd. 9.Watercraft use; rules for local waters.
(a) On request of a county, city, or town, the commissioner may, after determining it to be in the public interest, establish rules relating to the use of watercraft on waters of this state that border upon or are within, in whole or in part, the territorial boundaries of the governmental unit.
(b) The rules shall be established in the manner provided by sections 14.02 to 14.62, but may not be submitted to the attorney general nor filed with the secretary of state until first approved by resolutions of the county boards of a majority of the counties affected by the proposed rules.
(c) The rules may restrict:
(1) the type and size of watercraft and size of motor that may use the waters affected by the rule;
(2) the areas of water that may be used by watercraft;
(3) the speed of watercraft;
(4) the times permitted for use of watercraft; or
(5) the minimum distance between watercraft.
(d) When establishing rules, the commissioner shall consider the physical characteristics of the waters affected, their historical uses, shoreland uses and classification, and other features unique to the waters affected by the rules.
(e) The commissioner shall inform the users of the waters of the rules affecting them at least two weeks before the effective date of the rules by distributing copies of the rules and by posting of the public accesses of the waters. The failure of the commissioner to comply with this paragraph does not affect the validity of the rules or a conviction for violation of the rules.
(f) The cost of publishing rules and of marking and posting waters under this subdivision shall be paid by the counties affected by the rules, as apportioned by the commissioner.
(g) Regulations or ordinances relating to the use of waters of this state enacted by a local governmental unit before January 1, 1972, shall continue in effect until repealed by the local governmental unit or superseded by a rule of the commissioner adopted under this subdivision.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 10
The commissioner shall adopt rules that relate to:
(1) the application for, form, and numbering of watercraft licenses;
(2) the size, form, reflectorized material, and display of watercraft license numbers, which must comply with the requirements of the federal watercraft numbering system;
(3) placement and regulation of docks, piers, buoys, mooring or marking devices, and other structures in the waters of this state;
(4) rules of the road for watercraft navigation;
(5) standards for equipment used in the towing of persons on water skis, aquaplanes, surfboards, saucers, and other devices;
(6) standards for lights, signals, fire extinguishers, bilge ventilation, and lifesaving equipment;
(7) standards of safe load and power capacity;
(8) accounting, procedural, and reporting requirements for county sheriff;
(9) designation of swimming or bathing areas;
(10) standards of safety for watercraft offered for rent, lease, or hire;
(11) the use of surface waters of this state by watercraft as provided and in accordance with section 86B.205, subdivision 9, paragraphs (c) and (d), including:
(i) standards and criteria for resolving conflicts in the use of water surfaces by watercraft;
(ii) procedures for dealing with problems involving more than one local governmental unit;
(iii) procedures for local enforcement; and
(iv) procedures for enforcing the restrictions in section 86B.205, subdivision 9, paragraph (c); and
(12) other rules determined by the commissioner to be necessary to implement the provisions of this chapter.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 11; 1991 c 259 s 10
Except as provided in subdivisions 2 and 3, a person may not operate or give permission for the operation of a watercraft that requires a watercraft license on the waters of this state unless:
(1) a watercraft license for the watercraft has been issued and is valid during the period of operation;
(2) the license number is affixed to the watercraft as prescribed by the commissioner; and
(3) a valid registration sticker is affixed to the watercraft as prescribed by the commissioner.
(1) a watercraft that is covered by a license or number in full force and effect under federal law or a federally approved licensing or numbering system of another state, or a watercraft that is owned by a person from another state and that state does not require licensing that type of watercraft, and the watercraft has not been within this state for more than 90 consecutive days, which does not include days that a watercraft is laid up at dock over winter or for repairs at a Lake Superior port or another port in the state;
(6) a waterfowl boat during waterfowl-hunting season;
(8) a seaplane;
Subd. 3.Temporary certificate.
A person may operate a watercraft and allow another person to operate a watercraft for which a temporary license certificate has been issued during the period the certificate is valid.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 12; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 38; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 12; 2013 c 121 s 25; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 38
Subdivision 1.Under age 12.
(a) Except in case of an emergency, a person under age 12 may not operate or be allowed to operate a watercraft propelled by a motor with a factory rating of more than 25 horsepower unless there is present in the watercraft, in addition to the operator, at least one person age 21 or older who is within immediate reach of the controls of the motor. For purposes of section 169A.20, the person age 21 or older, as well as the actual operator, is in physical control of the motorboat.
(b) A person under age 12 may not operate or be allowed to operate a watercraft propelled by a motor with a factory rating of more than 75 horsepower.
Subd. 2.Age 12 to 17; permit required.
Except as provided in this subdivision, a person age 12 or older and younger than age 18 may not operate a motorboat powered by a motor over 25 horsepower without possessing a valid watercraft operator's permit from this state or from the operator's state of residence unless there is a person age 21 or older in the motorboat who is within immediate reach of the controls of the motor. For purposes of section 169A.20, the person age 21 or older, as well as the actual operator, is in physical control of the motorboat.
Subd. 3.Owners may not allow certain uses.
An owner of a watercraft may not allow a watercraft to be operated contrary to the provisions of subdivision 2.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 13; 1993 c 269 s 2,3; 1993 c 310 s 2,3; 1996 c 396 s 2,3; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 67; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7
Subdivision 1.Safe operation.
A person may not operate or allow the operation of a watercraft or use a device relating to the use of the watercraft:
(1) in a careless or heedless manner in disregard of the rights or safety of others;
(2) in a reckless or grossly negligent manner that causes personal injury to another or damage to the property of another;
(3) upon the waters of this state without the equipment required by this chapter and the rules adopted under this chapter; or
(4) that is loaded with passengers or cargo beyond the watercraft's safe carrying capacity or is equipped with a motor or other propulsion machinery beyond the watercraft's safe power capacity.
Subd. 2.Obstructing navigation.
A person may not operate a watercraft in a manner that obstructs or tends to obstruct normal and ordinary navigation on the waters of this state.
Subd. 3.Unauthorized mooring.
A person may not moor, attach, or hold in any manner a watercraft to a buoy or any other marking device or guide placed in the waters of this state pursuant to lawful authority. This subdivision does not apply to a mooring buoy.
Subd. 4.Swimming or bathing areas.
A person may not operate a watercraft within a water area that has been marked off or set aside as a swimming or bathing area as prescribed by the commissioner's rules.
Subd. 5.Riding on gunwales or decking.
A person may not ride or sit and a person may not operate a motorboat while a person is riding or sitting on (i) the starboard or port gunwales; (ii) the decking over the bow, sides, or stern; or (iii) the transom, of a motorboat while underway unless the motorboat is provided with adequate guards or railing to prevent passengers from falling overboard.
Subd. 6.Law enforcement watercraft displaying emergency lights.
When approaching and passing a law enforcement watercraft with its emergency lights activated, the operator of a watercraft must safely move the watercraft away from the law enforcement watercraft and maintain a slow-no wake speed while within 150 feet of the law enforcement watercraft.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 14; 2002 c 323 s 1; 2009 c 176 art 1 s 20
(a) In addition to requirements of other laws relating to watercraft, a person may not operate or permit the operation of a personal watercraft:
(1) without each person on board the personal watercraft wearing a wearable personal flotation device that is approved by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and has a USCG label indicating the flotation device either is approved for or does not prohibit use with personal watercraft;
(2) between one hour before sunset and 9:30 a.m.;
(3) at greater than slow-no wake speed within 150 feet of:
(i) a shoreline;
(ii) a dock;
(iii) a swimmer;
(iv) a raft used for swimming or diving; or
(v) a moored, anchored, or nonmotorized watercraft;
(4) while towing a person on water skis, a kneeboard, an inflatable craft, or any other device unless:
(i) an observer is on board; or
(ii) the personal watercraft is equipped with factory-installed or factory-specified accessory mirrors that give the operator a wide field of vision to the rear;
(5) without the lanyard-type engine cutoff switch being attached to the person, clothing, or personal flotation device of the operator, if the personal watercraft is equipped by the manufacturer with such a device;
(6) if any part of the spring-loaded throttle mechanism has been removed, altered, or tampered with so as to interfere with the return-to-idle system;
(7) to chase or harass wildlife;
(8) through emergent or floating vegetation at other than a slow-no wake speed;
(9) in a manner that unreasonably or unnecessarily endangers life, limb, or property, including weaving through congested watercraft traffic, jumping the wake of another watercraft within 150 feet of the other watercraft, or operating the watercraft while facing backward;
(10) in any other manner that is not reasonable and prudent; or
(11) without a personal watercraft rules decal, issued by the commissioner, attached to the personal watercraft so as to be in full view of the operator.
(b) Paragraph (a), clause (3), does not apply to a person operating a personal watercraft to launch or land a person on water skis, a kneeboard, or similar device by the most direct route to open water.
Subd. 2.Age of operator.
Except in the case of an emergency, a person under the age of 13 years may not operate or be permitted to operate a personal watercraft, regardless of horsepower. It is unlawful for the owner of a personal watercraft to permit the personal watercraft to be operated contrary to this subdivision.
Subd. 3.Operator's permit; adult supervision.
Except in the case of an emergency, a person 13 years of age or over but less than 18 years of age may not operate a personal watercraft, regardless of horsepower, without possessing a valid watercraft operator's permit as required by section 86B.305, unless there is a person 21 years of age or older on board the craft. In addition to the permit requirement, a person 13 years of age operating a personal watercraft must remain under visual supervision by a person who is 21 years of age or older. An owner of a personal watercraft may not permit the personal watercraft to be operated contrary to this subdivision.
Subd. 4.Dealers and rental operations.
(a) A dealer of personal watercraft shall distribute a summary of the laws and rules governing the operation of personal watercraft and, upon request, shall provide instruction to a purchaser regarding:
(1) the laws and rules governing personal watercraft; and
(2) the safe operation of personal watercraft.
(b) A person who offers personal watercraft for rent:
(1) shall provide a summary of the laws and rules governing the operation of personal watercraft and provide instruction regarding the laws and rules and the safe operation of personal watercraft to each person renting a personal watercraft;
(2) shall provide a United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved wearable personal flotation device with a USCG label indicating it either is approved for or does not prohibit use with personal watercraft or water-skiing and any other required safety equipment to all persons who rent a personal watercraft at no additional cost; and
(3) shall require that a watercraft operator's permit from this state or from the operator's state of residence be shown each time a personal watercraft is rented to any person younger than age 18 and shall record the permit on the form provided by the commissioner.
(c) Each dealer of personal watercraft or person offering personal watercraft for rent shall have the person who purchases or rents a personal watercraft sign a form provided by the commissioner acknowledging that the purchaser or renter has been provided a copy of the laws and rules regarding personal watercraft operation and has read them. The form must be retained by the dealer or person offering personal watercraft for rent for a period of six months following the date of signature and must be made available for inspection by sheriff's deputies or conservation officers during normal business hours.
1991 c 225 s 3; 1992 c 573 s 4; 1993 c 219 s 1; 1996 c 396 s 4; 1998 c 400 s 2-4; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 6,7; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 39
Subdivision 1.Observer or mirror required.
A person may not operate a watercraft on waters of this state and create a wake for a wake surfer or tow a person on water skis, an aquaplane, a surfboard, a saucer, or a similar device unless:
(1) there is another person in the watercraft in addition to the operator who is in a position to continually observe the person being towed; or
(2) the boat is equipped with a mirror providing the operator a wide field of vision to the rear.
Subd. 2.Prohibited night activities.
On waters of this state, from one-half hour after sunset to sunrise of the following day, a person may not:
(1) wake surf;
(2) operate a watercraft creating a wake for a wake surfer;
(3) be towed by a watercraft; or
(4) operate a watercraft towing a person on water skis, an aquaplane, a surfboard, a saucer, or another device.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 15; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 8
Subdivision 1.Operation in excess of noise limits prohibited.
A person may not operate a motorboat under any condition of load, acceleration, or deceleration in a manner that exceeds the noise limits contained in subdivision 2.
Subd. 2.Noise limits.
(a) The noise limits for the total noise from the marine engine or motorboat may not exceed:
(1) for marine engines or motorboats manufactured before January 1, 1982, a noise level of 84 decibels on the A scale measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorboat or equivalent noise levels at other distances as specified by the commissioner in a pass-by test or 86 decibels on the A scale measured at idle in a stationary test at least four feet above the water and at least four feet behind the transom of the motorboat being tested; and
(2) for marine engines or motorboats manufactured on or after January 1, 1982, a noise level of 82 decibels on the A scale measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorboat or equivalent noise levels at other distances as specified by the commissioner in a pass-by test or 84 decibels on the A scale measured at idle in a stationary test at least four feet above the water and at least four feet behind the transom of the motorboat being tested.
(b) The noise limits in paragraph (a) do not preclude enforcement of other laws relating to motorboat noise. The officer or deputy doing the testing shall determine which test or tests shall be used. Failure to pass either the pass-by or stationary idle test is a violation of this section.
(c) Equivalent noise levels under paragraph (a) shall be specified by the commissioner by written order and published in the State Register. The noise level determinations are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.
The provisions of this section do not apply to motorboats operating under a permit issued under section 86B.121 or a United States Coast Guard marine event permit in a regatta or race while on trial runs or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 16; 1993 c 13 art 1 s 22; 2004 c 221 s 25; 2004 c 255 s 24
(a) A person owning or operating a watercraft or other marine conveyance on the waters of this state may not use, operate, or allow the use or operation of a marine toilet or similar device for the disposition of sewage or other wastes unless the toilet wastes are retained for disposition on land by means of facilities constructed and operated in accordance with rules adopted by the state commissioner of health and approved by the Pollution Control Agency.
(b) A person may not:
(1) discharge sewage or other wastes into the waters of this state directly or indirectly from a watercraft or other marine conveyance; or
(2) place, leave, discharge, or cause to be placed, left, or discharged a container of sewage or other wastes into waters of this state by a person whether or not the owner, operator, guest, or occupant of a watercraft or other marine conveyance.
(c) Toilets must be sealed or otherwise rendered inoperative so that human or other waste cannot be discharged from the toilet into waters of this state.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 17
(a) An owner or other person having charge or control of a motorboat may not authorize or allow an individual the person knows or has reason to believe is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled or other substance to operate the motorboat in operation on the waters of this state.
(b) An owner or other person having charge or control of a motorboat may not knowingly authorize or allow a person, who by reason of a physical or mental disability is incapable of operating the motorboat, to operate the motorboat in operation on the waters of this state.
(c) A person who operates or is in physical control of a motorboat on the waters of this state is subject to chapter 169A. In addition to the applicable sanctions under chapter 169A, a person who is convicted of violating section 169A.20 or an ordinance in conformity with it, shall be prohibited from operating a motorboat on the waters of this state for a period of 90 days between May 1 and October 31, extending over two consecutive years if necessary. If the person refuses to comply with a lawful demand to submit to testing under sections 169A.50 to 169A.53 or 171.177, or an ordinance in conformity with it, the person shall be prohibited from operating a motorboat for a period of one year. The commissioner shall notify the person of the period during which the person is prohibited from operating a motorboat.
(d) Administrative and judicial review of the operating privileges prohibition is governed by section 169A.53 or 171.177.
(e) The court shall promptly forward to the commissioner and the Department of Public Safety copies of all convictions and criminal and civil sanctions imposed under: (1) this section; (2) chapter 169 relating to motorboats; (3) chapter 169A; and (4) section 171.177.
(f) A person who violates paragraph (a) or (b), or an ordinance in conformity with either of them, is guilty of a misdemeanor.
(g) For purposes of this subdivision, a motorboat "in operation" does not include a motorboat that is anchored, beached, or securely fastened to a dock or other permanent mooring, or a motorboat that is being rowed or propelled by other than mechanical means.
[Repealed, 1Sp1997 c 2 s 69]
1990 c 391 art 9 s 18; 1992 c 570 art 3 s 1; 1994 c 615 s 5,6; 1995 c 230 s 6; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 5; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2000 c 495 s 7; 2001 c 7 s 23; 2012 c 272 s 22; 2017 c 83 art 3 s 18; 2018 c 183 s 2
Subd. 13.Coroner to report death.
Every coroner or medical examiner shall report in writing to the Department of Natural Resources the death of any person within the jurisdiction of the coroner or medical examiner as the result of an accident involving any watercraft or drowning and the circumstances of the accident. The report shall be made within 15 days after the death or recovery.
In the case of operators killed in watercraft accidents, or the death of passengers or drowning victims 14 years of age or older, who die within four hours after accident, the coroner or medical examiner shall examine the body and shall make tests as are necessary to determine the presence and percentage concentration of alcohol, and drugs if feasible, in the blood of the victim. This information shall be included in each report submitted pursuant to the provisions of this subdivision and shall be tabulated by the Department of Natural Resources. Periodically, the commissioner of natural resources must transmit a summary of the reports to the commissioner of public safety.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 19; 1992 c 570 art 3 s 2-6; 1994 c 615 s 7; 1995 c 185 s 2
Subdivision 1.Operator's duty at accident or incident.
(a) The operator of a watercraft involved in an accident or incident resulting in injury or death to a person or in damage to property shall, if possible without serious danger to the watercraft or the persons aboard, immediately stop at the scene of the accident or incident and render assistance as may be practicable and necessary.
(b) The operator must give the operator's name, address, and license number of the watercraft and the name and address of the owner of the watercraft to the person injured or the operator or occupants of the other watercraft or owner or occupant of the property involved. The operator must promptly report the accident or incident to the sheriff of the county where the accident or incident occurred. Sheriffs are required to report all accidents and incidents to the commissioner of natural resources, who must periodically transmit a summary of the reports to the commissioner of public safety, and transmit statistics on boating accidents and incidents to the United States Coast Guard.
Subd. 2.Owner's and operator's liability.
(a) The owner and operator of a watercraft are jointly and severally liable for any injury or damage caused by the negligent operation of a watercraft whether the negligence consists of a violation of the provisions of the statutes of this state or neglecting to observe ordinary care in the operation as the common law requires. The owner is not liable if the watercraft is being operated without the owner's express or implied consent. It is presumed that the operation of a watercraft is with the knowledge and consent of the owner if at the time of the injury or damage the watercraft is under the control of the owner's spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other member of the owner's immediate family.
(b) This subdivision may not be construed to:
(1) relieve other persons from liability which the persons would otherwise have; or
(2) authorize or allow recovery in excess of the injury or damage actually incurred.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 20; 1994 c 615 s 8
(a) A person may apply to the commissioner, the commissioner of public safety, or an authorized deputy registrar of motor vehicles to license a watercraft in a format prescribed by the commissioner.
(b) The application must state the names and addresses of all owners of the watercraft.
Subd. 2.Temporary certificate.
A person who applies for a watercraft license may be issued a temporary license certificate to operate the watercraft. The temporary license certificate is valid for 21 days.
Subd. 3.Licensing.
(a) The license agent shall register the watercraft on receiving an application and the license fee. A license and registration sticker with a registration number shall be issued and must be affixed to the watercraft as prescribed by the commissioner of natural resources.
(b) A license includes aquatic invasive species affirmation as provided in section 84D.106. The aquatic invasive species affirmation portion of the license must be on board or available with the signed license certificate. The aquatic invasive species affirmation will be provided with an application for a new, transfer, duplicate, or renewal watercraft license.
(c) The license is not valid unless signed by at least one owner.
(d) Failure to complete the aquatic invasive species affirmation in this subdivision is subject to the penalty prescribed in section 84D.13, subdivision 5.
Subd. 4.License number.
Each watercraft must be assigned a license number. The license number assigned a watercraft may remain the same even if not renewed in consecutive years. The owner of a watercraft must purchase the watercraft license numbers assigned and affix the license numbers as prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 5.License period.
A watercraft license is valid for three calendar years or a portion of the three-year period beginning in the calendar year the license is issued. The watercraft license expires on December 31 of the last calendar year of the license period.
Subd. 6.Renewal.
Watercraft licenses may be renewed in the same manner as applying for the original license.
Subd. 7.Notification of change of address by licensee.
If the address of an owner of a licensed watercraft changes so that it does not conform with the address on the watercraft license, the owner must notify the commissioner in writing by 30 days after the address change occurs on a form prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 8.Notice of ownership change, destruction, or abandonment of watercraft.
(a) An owner of a watercraft must provide written notice to the commissioner on a form prescribed by the commissioner by 15 days after abandonment, destruction, or a change in ownership of a licensed watercraft.
(b) A change in ownership does not include the transfer of a security interest.
(c) After a change of ownership:
(1) the new owners are subject to the penalties imposed by this chapter if they fail to give notice as required by this subdivision; and
(2) the commissioner shall terminate the license without further action for failure to give the notice of ownership change.
(d) A notice of ownership change must be accompanied by the duplicate license fee. The commissioner shall issue a duplicate license on receipt of the notice of ownership change and the duplicate license fee.
Subd. 9.Loss or destruction of license.
The commissioner shall issue a duplicate watercraft license if an owner provides to the commissioner an affidavit of loss or destruction of the watercraft license previously issued and pays the duplicate license fee.
Subd. 10.New license for previously licensed watercraft.
A new license may not be issued for a watercraft that has previously been issued a watercraft license by this state unless:
(1) a notice of abandonment of the watercraft has been given at least one year before the date of application for the license; or
(2) the application is accompanied by satisfactory proof that the watercraft has been continually outside this state at least one year before the date of the application.
[Repealed, 1996 c 385 art 2 s 8]
Subd. 12.Proof of sales tax payment; collection and refund.
(a) A person applying for initial licensing of a watercraft must provide a receipt, invoice, or other document to prove that:
(1) the sales and use tax under chapter 297A was paid;
(2) the purchase was exempt from tax under chapter 297A; or
(3) the watercraft was purchased from a retailer that is maintaining a place of business in this state as defined in section 297A.66, subdivision 1, and is a dealer.
(b) The commissioner or authorized deputy registrars, acting as agents of the commissioner of revenue under an agreement between the commissioner and the commissioner of revenue, as provided in section 297A.825:
(1) must collect use tax from the applicant if the applicant does not provide the proof required under paragraph (a); and
(2) are authorized to issue refunds of use tax paid to them in error.
(c) Section 86B.415, subdivision 11, does not apply to refunds under this subdivision.
Subd. 13.Collector watercraft.
(a) The owner of a watercraft built before July 1, 1959, that is used solely as a collector's item may affix any license numbers and decals that are required for the watercraft by section 86B.301, subdivision 1, and rules adopted pursuant to that section so that the numbers and decals are readily detachable.
(b) The authority issuing a permit under section 86B.121 for any exhibit, regatta, or boat parade held on the waters of this state may exempt a collector watercraft from displaying the license numbers and decals required by section 86B.301, subdivision 1, during the duration of the event. The authority may also exempt the collector watercraft from any equipment and operational requirements and any license requirements in section 86B.301 for the duration of the event.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 21; 1990 c 559 s 2; 1991 c 291 art 8 s 2; 1992 c 594 s 9; 1993 c 375 art 1 s 2; 1994 c 623 art 1 s 19; 1Sp1995 c 1 s 14; 1999 c 22 s 1; 2000 c 418 art 1 s 44; 2001 c 185 s 16-18; 2003 c 28 art 1 s 12; 2008 c 357 s 19; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 4 s 39; 1Sp2017 c 1 art 21 s 3
A dealer may apply for a watercraft dealer license on a form prescribed by the commissioner. A watercraft dealer's license shall be issued to a dealer after receipt of an application and payment of the dealer license fee.
Subd. 2.Watercraft covered.
Watercraft owned by the dealer may be operated under the dealer's license on the waters of this state without watercraft licenses for demonstration purposes or other purposes incident to the usual and customary conduct of the business of manufacturing, selling, or trading of watercraft.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 22
The commissioner shall issue distinguishable government watercraft licenses without a fee for watercraft owned by the state or a political subdivision of the state on receipt of an application for the license on a form prescribed by the commissioner.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 23
Subdivision 1.Watercraft 19 feet or less.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) and subdivision 1a, the fee for a watercraft license for watercraft 19 feet or less in length is $27.
(2) for a sailboat, 19 feet in length or less, the fee is $10.50;
Subd. 1a.Canoes, kayaks, sailboards, paddleboards, paddleboats, or rowing shells.
The fee for a watercraft license for a canoe, kayak, sailboard, paddleboard, paddleboat, or rowing shell over ten feet in length is $10.50.
Subd. 2.Watercraft over 19 feet.
Subd. 3.Watercraft over 19 feet for hire.
The license fee for a watercraft more than 19 feet in length for hire with an operator is $75 each.
Subd. 4.Watercraft used by nonprofit corporation for teaching.
The watercraft license fee for a watercraft used by a nonprofit organization for teaching boat and water safety is $4.50 each.
Subd. 5.Dealer's license.
There is no separate fee for watercraft owned by a dealer under a dealer's license. The fee for a dealer's license is $67.50.
Subd. 6.Transfer or duplicate license.
The fee to transfer a watercraft license or be issued a duplicate license is $4.50.
Subd. 7.Watercraft surcharge.
A $5 surcharge is placed on each watercraft licensed under subdivisions 1 to 5 for control, public awareness, law enforcement, monitoring, and research of aquatic invasive species such as zebra mussel, purple loosestrife, and Eurasian watermilfoil in public waters and public wetlands.
[Repealed, 1999 c 231 s 207]
Subd. 8.Registrar's fee.
In addition to other fees prescribed by law, a filing fee of $4.50 shall be charged for each watercraft license renewal, duplicate or replacement license, and replacement decal and a filing fee of $7 shall be charged for each watercraft license and license transfer issued by:
(1) the registrar or a deputy registrar of motor vehicles and the additional fee shall be disposed of in the manner provided in section 168.33, subdivision 2; or
(2) the commissioner and the additional fee shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the water recreation account.
Subd. 9.Disposition of receipts.
Money received for watercraft licenses shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the water recreation account.
Subd. 10.Accounting.
The commissioner of natural resources, in agreement with the commissioner of public safety, may prescribe the accounting and procedural requirements necessary to assure efficient handling of watercraft registrations and license fees by deputy registrars. Deputy registrars shall strictly comply with these accounting and procedural requirements.
The commissioner may issue a refund on a license or title, not including any issuing fees paid under subdivision 8 or section 84.027, subdivision 15, paragraph (a), clause (3), or 86B.870, subdivision 1, paragraph (b), if the refund request is received within 60 days of the original license or title, the license or title is not used or transferred, and:
(1) the watercraft was licensed or titled incorrectly;
(2) the customer was incorrectly charged a title fee; or
(3) the watercraft was licensed or titled twice, once by the dealer and once by the customer.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 24; 1991 c 199 art 1 s 12; 1991 c 254 art 2 s 19; 1992 c 594 s 10; 1993 c 235 s 3; 1995 c 220 s 73,74; 1998 c 401 s 28,29; 1999 c 231 s 112; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 47; 2004 c 243 s 37; 1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 58-64; 2009 c 176 art 2 s 9; 2012 c 277 art 1 s 13-15
A political subdivision may not require watercraft to be licensed.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 25
Subdivision 1.Personal flotation or lifesaving devices.
(a) Watercraft and waterfowl boats using the waters of this state must be equipped with the number and type of personal flotation or lifesaving devices prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 2.Rented watercraft; responsibility for lifesaving devices.
The owner of a business that rents, leases, or hires out watercraft must provide a personal flotation or lifesaving device of the type required by this section for each person on board the watercraft.
Subd. 3.Grant Allen Law; life jacket required for children.
(a) No person may operate a watercraft under way with a child under ten years of age aboard unless the child is:
(1) wearing an appropriate personal flotation device approved under subdivision 1; or
(2) below the top deck or in an enclosed cabin.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to commercial watercraft where the child is a passenger and the operator is licensed by the state of Minnesota or the United States Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire. Paragraph (a) also does not apply if the watercraft is anchored for the purpose of swimming or diving.
(c) A first violation of this subdivision prior to May 1, 2006, shall not result in a penalty, but is punishable only by a safety warning.
(d) Any violation other than a violation addressed in paragraph (c) is to be considered a petty misdemeanor.
Subd. 4.Rowing team members; personal flotation devices.
Notwithstanding subdivision 1, a member of a rowing team that is sanctioned by an academic or nonprofit entity is not required to wear or possess, and no local ordinance or rule may require a member of a rowing team to wear or possess, a personal flotation device in a racing shell if a chase boat carrying the devices prescribed under subdivision 1 accompanies the racing shell. The requirement for a chase boat does not apply on waters where it is preempted by federal regulations.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 26; 2005 c 31 s 1; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 39; 2013 c 121 s 26
(a) A watercraft 20 feet or less in length manufactured for sale in this state after December 31, 1980, except canoes, kayaks, sailboats, sailboards, and inflatable boats, must have a capacity plate permanently affixed to the watercraft by the manufacturer. The capacity plate must contain information relating to maximum safe carrying and power capacity specifications prescribed by the commissioner. The information contained on the capacity plate must, at a minimum, comply with the established standards and regulations of the United States Coast Guard.
(b) For purposes of this section, "manufacture" means to construct or assemble a watercraft or alter a watercraft in a manner that changes its weight and carrying capacity.
Subd. 2.Certification of correct information.
The information appearing on a capacity plate is deemed to certify that the manufacturer has correctly and faithfully specified the maximum safe carrying and horsepower capacity and that the information is not a deliberate or negligent misrepresentation.
Subd. 3.Violation.
A person who does not comply with provisions of this section commits a violation for each watercraft for which this section is not complied with.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 27
Except as provided in section 169.541, a watercraft using the waters of this state, when underway or in use between sunset and sunrise, must carry and display the lights prescribed by the commissioner for the watercraft.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 28; 1990 c 555 s 11
Subdivision 1.Sound-producing devices.
Motorboats 16 feet or more in overall length using the waters of this state must carry sound-producing devices as prescribed by the commissioner. The operator of a motorboat shall sound these devices only when reasonably necessary to insure safe operation.
Subd. 2.Sirens.
(a) A siren may not be carried or used on a watercraft other than patrol watercraft.
(b) A siren carried or used in violation of this subdivision may be removed and seized by the sheriff. A seized siren becomes the property of the county where it was seized and may be used or disposed of as the county board determines.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 29
Subdivision 1.Exhaust muffling system required.
A motor may not be used on a motorboat unless it is equipped with an efficient muffler, underwater exhaust, or other device that adequately muffles or suppresses the sound of the exhaust of the motor so as to prevent excessive or unusual noise. A motor may not be equipped with an altered muffler, muffler cutout, muffler bypass, or any other device designed or installed so that it can be used to continually or intermittently bypass any muffler or muffler system installed in the motorboat or to reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of such a muffler or muffler system.
Subd. 2.Sale of motor that exceeds noise limits prohibited.
A person may not sell or offer for sale a marine engine or motorboat that would exceed the noise limits contained in section 86B.321, subdivision 2, under a test procedure approved by the commissioner if the motor is maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Subd. 3.Modifying engine to exceed noise limits prohibited.
(a) A person may not modify a marine engine or motorboat in a manner that will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the marine engine or motorboat above the noise limits contained in section 86B.321, subdivision 2, under a test procedure approved by the commissioner.
(b) A person may not operate a motorboat with an engine modified to increase noise above the noise limits.
Subd. 4.Sale of parts that cause excessive noise prohibited.
(a) A person may not sell or offer for sale replacement or additional parts for a marine engine or motorboat which when installed in the marine engine or motorboat will amplify or increase the noise emitted by the marine engine or motorboat above the noise limits contained in section 86B.321, subdivision 2, under a test procedure approved by the commissioner.
(b) A person may not operate a motorboat incorporating parts prohibited to be sold under paragraph (a).
The provisions of this section do not apply to motorboats operating under a permit issued under section 86B.121 or a United States Coast Guard marine event permit in a regatta, or race, while on trial runs, or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit.
Subd. 6.Rulemaking exemption.
The test procedures under subdivisions 2, 3, and 4 shall be established by written order by the commissioner and published in the State Register. The establishment of test procedures is exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 30; 2004 c 221 s 26; 2004 c 255 s 25,26
A motor other than a detachable outboard motor may not be used on a watercraft unless each carburetor is fitted with a device for arresting or safely deflecting backfire which is approved or prescribed by the United States Coast Guard. The devices must be maintained in serviceable condition.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 31
Inboard motorboats, houseboats, and other motorboats carrying or using fuel or other inflammable or toxic fluid in an enclosure of the boat must be provided with the number, size, and type of fire extinguishers as may be approved by the commissioner. Fire extinguishers approved by the commissioner shall comply with requirements of the United States Coast Guard. The extinguishers shall be at all times kept in condition for immediate and effective use and shall be so placed as to be readily accessible.
Subd. 2.Fuel area ventilation.
Inboard motorboats, houseboats, and other motorboats carrying or using fuel or other inflammable or toxic fluid in an enclosure of the boat must be provided with means for properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of the engine and fuel tank compartments as prescribed by the commissioner to remove explosive or flammable gases.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 32
Subdivision 1.Requirements; installation.
(a) No motorboat used for recreational purposes that has an enclosed accommodation compartment may be operated on any waters of the state unless the motorboat is equipped with a functioning marine carbon monoxide detection system installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and this subdivision.
(b) No new motorboat used for recreational purposes that has an enclosed accommodation compartment may be sold or offered for sale in Minnesota unless the motorboat is equipped with a new functioning marine carbon monoxide detection system installed according to the manufacturer's instructions and this subdivision.
(c) A marine carbon monoxide detection system must be located:
(1) to monitor the atmosphere of the main cabin of the enclosed accommodation compartment; and
(2) in each sleeping accommodation or within ten feet or 3.048 meters of any designated sleeping accommodations.
Subd. 2.Boating safety courses.
All state-sponsored boating safety courses and all boating safety courses that require state approval by the commissioner must incorporate information about the dangers of being overcome by carbon monoxide poisoning while on or behind a motorboat and how to prevent that poisoning.
Subd. 3.Carbon monoxide poisoning; warning labels.
(a) No gasoline-powered motorboat that has an enclosed occupancy compartment may be operated on any waters of the state unless labels warning of carbon monoxide dangers are affixed in the vicinity of: the aft reboarding/stern area, the steering station, and in or at the entrance to any enclosed occupancy compartment.
(b) For a motorboat sold by a dealer, the dealer must ensure that specified warning labels have been affixed before completion of the transaction.
(c) Warning labels approved by the American Boat and Yacht Council, National Marine Manufacturers Association, or the commissioner satisfy the requirements of this section when installed as specified.
Subd. 4.License agents; distribution.
The commissioner shall mail the information and labels to all owners of motorboats that are 19 feet and greater in length the first year. The commissioner must also provide license agents with informational brochures and warning labels about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning while boating. A license agent must make the brochure and labels available to motorboat owners and make efforts to inform new owners of the requirement. The commissioner shall highlight the new requirements on the watercraft renewal reminder postcard for three consecutive three-year license cycles and in the Minnesota Boating Guide. The brochure must instruct motorboat owners to place the labels according to subdivision 3, and inform motorboat owners of carbon monoxide dangers of gasoline-powered generators.
Subd. 5.Safety warning.
A first violation of this section shall not result in a penalty, but is punishable only by a safety warning. A second or subsequent violation is a petty misdemeanor.
2016 c 189 art 3 s 26; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 151; 2018 c 115 s 2
Subdivision 1.Retention device required.
A watercraft or other marine conveyance on the waters of the state may not be equipped with a marine toilet unless also equipped with a retention device acceptable to the Pollution Control Agency.
Subd. 2.List of retention devices.
(a) The Pollution Control Agency shall, upon request, furnish a list of the types of retention devices currently available and considered acceptable for the purposes of this section for use with marine toilets.
(b) The commissioner of natural resources shall furnish the sheriff of each county with a list of retention facilities acceptable to the Pollution Control Agency.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 33
Subdivision 1.Flag required.
(a) A person who swims in waters of the state, except designated swimming areas under section 86B.311, subdivision 4, while wearing or carrying a breathing apparatus allowing the swimmer to breathe while under water, except a snorkel that is not attached to an artificial container of compressed air, must display a diver's flag above the surface of the water.
(b) A person who places a diver's flag must remain within 50 feet of the flag, measured on the surface of the water.
(c) A person shall not place a diver's flag where it will obstruct navigation.
(d) A diver's flag shall measure at least 15 inches horizontally and 12 inches vertically, and both sides shall have a red-colored background bisected diagonally by a three-inch-wide white stripe having its upper end adjacent to the flagstaff.
(e) A diver's flag shall be displayed in a vertical plane extended from a rigid flagstaff equipped to maintain the upper edge of the flag at least 30 inches above the water surface.
(f) A diver's flag may be reflectorized or fluorescent provided the entire surface is uniformly reflectorized or fluorescent.
(g) A diver's flag may be anchored or secured to the bottom when a safety hazard would result from towing the flag.
(h) If at the discretion of the diver it would be safer and more visible, the flag may be displayed on a watercraft. If the flag is displayed on the watercraft, the craft must be at anchor or, if not at anchor, attended by a diver or a person appointed by the diver to tend the craft. Only watercraft displaying an official diver's flag are authorized in the diving area.
Subd. 2.Group diving.
(a) Not more than four divers may dive under one flag.
(b) If a group of divers is operating in a contained area, the perimeter must be marked and be outside of the normal area of navigation. The markings shall consist of the official diver's flag and be placed on the perimeter of the diving area at intervals not exceeding 150 feet.
Subd. 3.Light required for night diving.
A person may not scuba or skin dive in waters of this state from one hour after sunset to sunrise on the following day unless the diver has in possession a diver's light that is visible from above the water at a distance of at least 150 feet, except that a diver's light is not required in an emergency, salvage, repair, or construction operation.
Subd. 4.Night diving with spear prohibited.
A person may not scuba or skin dive while in possession of a spear from sunset to sunrise.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 34; 1992 c 464 art 1 s 12
Subdivision 1.Water and watercraft safety and enforcement budget.
(a) On or before September 1 of each even-numbered year, the county board of each county shall submit to the commissioner its proposed budget to carry out the provisions of this chapter, during the biennium beginning on the following July 1.
(b) The commissioner shall require a county to submit a budget containing proposed activities that would adequately carry out this chapter.
(c) The commissioner shall review the proposed budgets and incorporate into the budget for the Department of Natural Resources the parts that the commissioner determines necessary and equitable for each county. The amount allocated for each county shall be paid to the county and a separate accounting maintained.
(d) The commissioner may require each county to make reports as to the expenditure of the funds.
(e) The commissioner shall publish a report annually showing the expenditures and distribute copies to all participating counties.
Subd. 2.Failure of county to submit budget.
(a) If the county fails to submit a budget or fails to carry out the proposed activities after submitting a budget, the commissioner may allocate all or a portion of the county's share back to the Department of Natural Resources or to political subdivisions within the county, including lake conservation districts in part or in whole within the county, that the commissioner determines will provide watercraft safety enforcement, supervision, marking, regulation, search and rescue, and information on waters wholly or partially within their boundaries.
(b) The commissioner may require budgets or reports on the expenditure of the funds.
(c) If the county sheriff determines that additional outside assistance is necessary on a temporary, nonrecurring basis for the purposes of boat and water safety, the sheriff may request the assistance from the commissioner. The commissioner may allocate emergency funding to the county, provide materials or equipment on a temporary loan basis, or hire temporary personnel.
Subd. 3.Allocating funding.
(a) Notwithstanding section 16A.41, expenditures directly related to each appropriation's purpose made on or after January 1 of the fiscal year in which the grant is made or the date of work plan approval, whichever is later, are eligible for reimbursement unless otherwise provided.
(b) The amount of funds to be allocated under subdivisions 1 and 2 and shall be determined by the commissioner on the basis of the following criteria:
(1) the number of watercraft using the waters wholly or partially within the county;
(2) the number of watercraft using particular bodies of water, wholly or partially within the county, in relation to the size of the body of water and the type, speed, and size of the watercraft utilizing the water body;
(3) the amount of water acreage wholly or partially within the county;
(4) the overall performance of the county in the area of boat and water safety;
(5) special considerations, such as volume of transient or nonresident watercraft use, number of rental watercraft, extremely large bodies of water wholly or partially in the county; or
(6) any other factor as determined by the commissioner.
(c) The commissioner may require reports from the counties, make appropriate surveys or studies, or utilize local surveys or studies to determine the criteria required in allocation funds.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 35; 2017 c 93 art 2 s 40
Subdivision 1.Water recreation account.
(a) A portion of the money in the water recreation account shall be utilized by the commissioner of natural resources to implement this chapter and a portion shall be paid to counties and in an amount the commissioner shall determine and be used to defray the expenses of enforcement of the provisions of this chapter and the expenses of a county sponsored or administered watercraft and swimming safety instructional program.
(b) The commissioner may withhold up to $25,000 per biennium of the allocation for the purpose of payments to counties and other political subdivisions for specific boat and water safety projects beyond the capability of previously allocated funds.
(c) Counties and other political subdivisions shall make application for payment of the funds on forms and for purposes as prescribed by the commissioner.
Subd. 2.Fines and bail money.
(a) All fines, installment payments, and forfeited bail money collected from persons convicted of violations of this chapter or rules adopted thereunder, or of a violation of section 169A.20 involving a motorboat, shall be deposited in the state treasury.
(b) One-half of the receipts shall be credited to the general revenue fund. The other one-half of the receipts shall be transmitted to the commissioner of natural resources and credited to the water recreation account for the purpose of boat and water safety.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 36; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 6; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2001 c 185 s 19; 2009 c 83 art 2 s 5
The water recreation account is created in the state treasury in the natural resources fund.
Subd. 2.Money deposited in account.
The following shall be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the water recreation account:
(1) fees from titling and licensing of watercraft under this chapter;
(2) fines, installment payments, and forfeited bail according to section 86B.705, subdivision 2;
(3) mooring fees and receipts from the sale of marine gas at state-operated or state-assisted small craft harbors and mooring facilities according to section 86A.21;
(4) the unrefunded gasoline tax attributable to watercraft use under section 296A.18; and
(5) fees for permits issued to control or harvest aquatic plants other than wild rice under section 103G.615, subdivision 2.
Subd. 3.Purposes.
The money in the account may be expended only as appropriated by law for the following purposes:
(1) as directed under section 296A.18, subdivision 2, for acquisition, development, maintenance, and rehabilitation of public water access and boating facilities on public waters; lake and river improvements; and boat and water safety;
(2) from the fees collected at state-operated or state-assisted small craft harbors and mooring facilities from daily and seasonal moorings and the sale of marine gas, for maintenance, operation, replacement, and expansion of these facilities and for the debt service on state bonds sold to finance these facilities;
(3) for administration and enforcement of this chapter as it pertains to titling and licensing of watercraft and use and safe operation of watercraft; grants for county-sponsored and administered boat and water safety programs; and state boat and water safety efforts;
(4) for management of aquatic invasive species and the implementation of chapter 84D as it pertains to aquatic invasive species, including control, public awareness, law enforcement, assessment and monitoring, management planning, and research; and
(5) for management of aquatic plants and the implementation of section 103G.615 as it pertains to aquatic plants, including plant removal permitting, control, public awareness, law enforcement, assessment and monitoring, management planning, and research.
1Sp2005 c 1 art 2 s 65; 2007 c 57 art 1 s 43
(a) A sheriff or conservation officer may stop, inspect, and detain for a reasonable time a watercraft observed in violation of Minnesota statutes or rules, and is empowered to issue a summons and complaint for violations of this chapter in the same manner as for violations of game and fish laws.
(b) As used in this subdivision, "inspect" does not mean the authority to board a watercraft.
Subd. 2.Enforcement duties.
The sheriff of each county and conservation officers shall enforce the provisions of this chapter.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 37
Subdivision 1.Water safety enforcement watercraft.
Watercraft used primarily for enforcement shall be marked to be visible from both sides of the watercraft. The markings shall at a minimum identify the operating agency and be of a contrasting color to the background. Lettering used for identification, other than that used in an agency symbol, shall be of block character and not less than three inches in height.
Subd. 2.Game and fish enforcement watercraft.
Watercraft that are used primarily for enforcement of game and fish laws, when coincidentally enforcing this section, shall either be marked through the flying of a pennant of a size and marking prescribed by the commissioner or through marking of the watercraft itself under this section.
Subd. 3.Exemptions for enforcement watercraft.
The restrictions on hours and location of operation in this chapter do not apply to emergency, safety, and enforcement watercraft.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 38; 1998 c 400 s 5
Unless a different penalty is specified, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor who:
(1) violates a provision of this chapter or a rule of the commissioner adopted under this chapter;
(2) operates any watercraft that does not conform to the requirements of this chapter; or
(3) operates a watercraft if the operation is prohibited under subdivision 2.
Subd. 2.Youth operator violations.
(a) An operator age 13 or older but younger than age 18 adjudicated by a juvenile court as having violated section 86B.311, subdivision 1, 86B.341, or 169A.20, shall have the operator's permit revoked by the commissioner.
(b) The commissioner shall issue a new permit to the operator one year after the revocation upon successful completion by the operator of a watercraft safety course.
(c) The judge of a juvenile court that adjudicates an operator of violating any of the laws or rules listed above shall require the surrender of the person's watercraft operator's permit and shall forward the operator's permit to the commissioner with a record of the adjudication.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 39; 1Sp1997 c 2 s 67; 2000 c 478 art 2 s 7; 2011 c 107 s 41
Subdivision 1.Prima facie evidence of negligence.
In all civil actions, a violation of this chapter by a party is not negligence per se but is prima facie evidence of negligence.
Subd. 2.Conviction record not admissible.
The record of the conviction of a person for a violation of this chapter is not admissible as evidence in a court in a civil action.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 40
The definitions in this section apply to sections 86B.820 to 86B.920.
"Dealer" means a person who: (1) is in the business of manufacturing, distributing, selling, or purchasing new or used watercraft; (2) has an established place of business for the sale, trade, and display of watercraft; and (3) possesses watercraft for the purpose of sale or trade.
Subd. 4.Department.
Subd. 5.Deputy registrar.
"Deputy registrar" means a person appointed or hired by the commissioner of public safety under section 168.33.
Subd. 6.Manufacturer.
"Manufacturer" means a person engaged in the business of constructing or assembling watercraft required to have a certificate of title.
Subd. 7.Manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin.
"Manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin" means a certificate with the authorized signature of the manufacturer or importer of a watercraft, describing and identifying the watercraft, giving the name and address of the person to whom the watercraft is first sold by the manufacturer or importer, and containing executed assignments of the watercraft to an applicant for a certificate of title on the watercraft in this state.
Subd. 8.Owner.
"Owner" means a person, other than a secured party, having the title to a watercraft. "Owner" includes a person entitled to use or possess the watercraft, subject to a security interest in another person, reserved or created by agreement and securing payment of performance of an obligation, but "owner" does not include a lessee under a lease not intended as security.
"Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, association, corporation, or governmental organization.
Subd. 10.Secured party.
"Secured party" means a secured party as defined in section 336.9-102(a)(73), having a security interest in a watercraft and includes a lienholder.
Subd. 11.Security agreement.
"Security agreement" has the meaning given it in section 336.9-102(a)(74).
Subd. 12.Security interest.
"Security interest" has the meaning given it in section 336.1-201(b)(35), and includes statutory liens for which lien statements are filed.
Subd. 13.Titled watercraft.
"Titled watercraft" means a watercraft required to have a certificate of title under section 86B.825, subdivision 1; a watercraft for which a certificate of title has been issued under section 86B.825, subdivision 3; or a watercraft previously issued a certificate of title or similar document from another jurisdiction.
Subd. 14.Watercraft.
"Watercraft" means a device used or designed for navigation on water that is greater than 16 feet in length, as defined in section 86B.005, subdivision 6, but does not include:
(1) a row-type fishing boat of single hull construction, with oar locks and an outboard motor capacity rating of less than 40 horsepower;
(2) a canoe;
(3) a kayak;
(4) a rowing shell or scull;
(5) a ship's lifeboat;
(6) a vessel of at least five net tons measured in Code of Federal Regulations, title 46, part 69, that is documented under Code of Federal Regulations, title 46, subpart 67.01; or
(7) a seaplane.
Subd. 15.Waters of this state.
"Waters of this state" means waters capable of substantial public use and waters to which the public has access, that are within the territorial limits of this state, including boundary waters.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 222; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 1993 c 310 s 4; 2001 c 185 s 20; 2001 c 195 art 2 s 3,4; 2004 c 162 art 3 s 5; 2011 c 31 art 2 s 1,2
Except as provided in subdivision 2, a watercraft used on the waters of the state must have a certificate of title if the watercraft is kept in the state for more than 90 consecutive days.
Subd. 2.Exempt watercraft.
(5) a waterfowl boat used only during waterfowl-hunting season;
(6) a rice boat used only during the wild-rice-harvesting season;
Subd. 3.Voluntary titling.
The owner of a device used or designed for navigation on water and used on the waters of this state may obtain a certificate of title for the device, even though it is not a watercraft as defined in section 86B.820, subdivision 14, in the same manner and with the same effect as the owner of a watercraft required to be titled under sections 86B.820 to 86B.920. Once titled, the device is a titled watercraft as defined in section 86B.820, subdivision 13, and is and remains subject to sections 86B.820 to 86B.920, to the same extent as a watercraft required to be titled.
Subd. 4.Title required for transfer.
A person may not sell or otherwise transfer a titled watercraft without delivering to the person acquiring the watercraft a certificate of title with an assignment on it to show title in the person acquiring the watercraft. A person may not acquire a watercraft required to have a certificate of title without obtaining a certificate of title for the watercraft in the person's name.
Subd. 5.No legal title without certificate.
Subd. 6.Watercraft license may not be issued without title.
The commissioner may not issue or renew a watercraft license to an owner of a titled watercraft unless the owner has been issued or has applied for a certificate of title for the watercraft.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 223; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 1995 c 207 art 9 s 60; 2001 c 185 s 21; 2008 c 350 art 1 s 1; 2011 c 107 s 42; 2013 c 121 s 27
The owner of a titled watercraft must apply for the first certificate of title of a watercraft in this state to the commissioner or a deputy registrar on a form prescribed by the commissioner. The appropriate fee under section 86B.870 must accompany the application. The application must be signed by the owner and contain:
(1) the full names, dates of birth, and addresses of owners who are natural persons and the full names and addresses of other owners;
(2) a description of the watercraft including its make, model, year, length, the principal material used in construction, and the builder's or manufacturer's hull identification number;
(3) the date of purchase by the applicant, the name and address of the person from whom the watercraft was acquired;
(4) the name and address of the person who is to possess the title and any conditions of possession; and
(5) other information required by the commissioner to determine whether the owner is entitled to a certificate of title and whether security interests exist in the watercraft.
Subd. 2.Issuance.
(b) The original certificate of title must be mailed to the owner named in the application. Secured parties, if any, must be mailed notification of their security interest filed.
Subd. 3.Contents.
(a) A certificate of title issued by the commissioner must contain:
(1) the date issued;
(2) the full names, dates of birth, and addresses of owners who are natural persons and the full names and addresses of other owners;
(3) the names and addresses of secured parties;
(4) the title number assigned to the watercraft;
(5) a description of the watercraft including its make, model, year of manufacture, length, principal material used in construction, registration number, and manufacturer's hull identification number or, if none, the builder's hull identification number assigned to the watercraft by the commissioner;
(6) spaces for assignment of title by the owner or by the dealer and for warranting that the signer is the owner and that the watercraft is not subject to security interests, liens, or encumbrances except as noted on the face of the certificate of title;
(7) spaces on the certificate for application of title by a new owner subject to the security interests of secured parties named and for the assignment or release of the security interest of a secured party; and
(8) other information the commissioner may require.
(b) A certificate of title issued by the commissioner is prima facie evidence of the facts appearing on it.
Subd. 4.Issuance without absolute proof of ownership.
(a) If application is made for a certificate of title for a watercraft and the commissioner is not satisfied of the ownership of the watercraft or the existence of security interests in the watercraft, the watercraft may be assigned a title number but the commissioner must:
(1) withhold issuance of a certificate of title until the applicant presents documents that satisfy the commissioner of the applicant's ownership of the watercraft and of security interest in the watercraft; or
(2) require the applicant to file a bond in the form prescribed by the commissioner and executed by the applicant as a condition to issuing a certificate of title.
(b) A bond filed under this subdivision must be accompanied by the deposit of cash or executed by a surety company authorized to do business in this state. The bond must be in an amount equal to 1-1/2 times the value of the watercraft as determined by the commissioner. The bond must be conditioned to indemnify prior owners, secured parties, and later purchasers of the watercraft or persons acquiring a security interest in the watercraft, or successors in interest of the persons, against expenses, losses, or damages, including reasonable attorney fees, by reason of the issuance of the certificate of title to the watercraft or on account of a defect in or undisclosed security interest upon the right, title, and interest of the applicant in the watercraft.
(c) An interested person has a right of action to recover on the bond for a breach of its conditions, but the aggregate liability of the surety to all persons may not exceed the amount of the bond.
(d) The commissioner shall return the bond and any deposit accompanying the bond if:
(1) the commissioner has not been notified of the pendency of an action to recover on the bond;
(2) questions of ownership and outstanding security interests have been resolved to the satisfaction of the commissioner;
(3) the bond has been posted for three years or the watercraft is not registered for license purposes in this state under sections 86B.125, 86B.301, and 86B.401 to 86B.421; and
(4) the currently valid certificate of title is surrendered.
Subd. 5.Records.
(a) The commissioner shall maintain records of certificates of title issued under this section according to one of the following systems:
(1) under a distinctive title number assigned to a watercraft;
(2) under the registration number awarded to a watercraft in accordance with the registration and numbering law of the state where it is registered;
(3) alphabetically, under the name of the owner; or
(4) under another system determined by the commissioner.
(b) Records relating to watercraft titling maintained by the commissioner are public records and are open to public inspection during regular office hours.
Subd. 6.Grounds for refusal to issue certificate of title.
The commissioner may not issue a certificate of title if a required fee is not paid or the commissioner has reasonable grounds to believe that:
(1) the applicant is not the owner of the watercraft;
(2) the application contains a false statement; or
(3) the applicant failed to furnish required information or documents or additional information the commissioner reasonably requires.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 224; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 2001 c 185 s 22; 2011 c 107 s 43
Subdivision 1.Certificate of origin required.
(a) A dealer may not purchase or acquire a new titled watercraft without obtaining a manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin from the seller.
(b) A manufacturer, importer, dealer, or other person may not sell or otherwise dispose of a new titled watercraft to a dealer for purposes of display and resale without delivering to the dealer a manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin.
Subd. 2.Contents of certificate.
The manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin must be of a form prescribed by the commissioner and contain:
(1) a description of the watercraft, including its trade name, if any, year, series or model, hull material, length, and hull identification number;
(2) certification of the date of transfer of the watercraft and the name and address of the person to whom the watercraft was transferred;
(3) certification that the transfer of the watercraft was in ordinary trade and commerce;
(4) the signature and address of a representative of the person transferring the watercraft;
(5) an assignment form, including the name and address of the person the watercraft is to be transferred to, a certification that the watercraft is new, and a warranty that the title at the time of delivery is subject only to the security interests stated on the title; and
(6) other information required by the commissioner.
Subd. 3.Sale of new watercraft.
A dealer selling or exchanging a new titled watercraft, before delivering the watercraft to a purchaser, shall apply to the commissioner for a new title in the name of the purchaser. The application must contain the name and address of any secured party holding a security interest created or reserved at the time of sale and the date of the security agreement and must be accompanied by a manufacturer's or importer's certificate of origin. The application must be signed by the dealer and the owner, and the dealer shall promptly mail or deliver the application to the commissioner or a deputy registrar.
Subd. 4.Used watercraft acquired for resale.
(a) If a dealer buys or acquires a used titled watercraft for resale, the dealer must apply to the commissioner or deputy registrar and obtain a title number before selling or exchanging the watercraft in the same manner as a new watercraft on forms the commissioner provides or apply for and obtain a certificate of title.
(b) If a dealer acquires a used titled watercraft for resale and the watercraft is covered by a certificate of title that is surrendered to the dealer by the owner at the time of delivery of the watercraft, the dealer need not send the certificate of title to the commissioner. Upon transferring the watercraft to another person, the dealer must promptly execute the assignment, showing the name and address of the person to whom the watercraft is transferred and forward the certificate to the commissioner or deputy registrar with the application for a new certificate of title.
Subd. 5.Watercraft with foreign registration.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), an application for a certificate of title for a watercraft last registered in another state or foreign country must contain or be accompanied by:
(1) a certificate of title or registration issued by the other state or foreign country; and
(2) other information or documents the commissioner requires to establish the ownership of the watercraft and the existence or nonexistence of security interests.
(b) If the state or foreign country where the watercraft was last registered does not issue certificates of title, the application must contain or be accompanied by:
(1) a proper bill of sale or sworn statement of ownership, certificate of registration, or evidence of ownership as required by the law of the state or foreign country; and
(2) any other information or documents the commissioner requires to establish the ownership of the watercraft and the existence or nonexistence of security interests.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 225; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Subdivision 1.Voluntary transfer.
(a) An owner who transfers a titled watercraft must execute the assignment and warranty of title to the person to whom the watercraft is transferred in the space provided on the certificate of title where the watercraft is delivered.
(b) The person acquiring the watercraft must obtain a new certificate of title by applying to the commissioner or a deputy registrar on a form prescribed by the commissioner, and submitting the required fee. The application for certificate of title must be filed within 15 days after delivery of the watercraft to the person acquiring the watercraft.
(c) Upon request of the owner or the person who acquired the watercraft, a secured party in possession of the certificate of title must deliver the certificate to the person acquiring the watercraft, the commissioner, or a deputy registrar, unless the transfer is a breach of the security agreement. The delivery of the certificate does not affect the rights of the secured party under the security agreement.
(d) If a security interest or encumbrance is first created at the time of transfer of ownership, the certificate must be retained by or delivered to the secured party.
Subd. 2.Transfer by law.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, if the ownership of a titled watercraft is transferred by operation of law, including inheritance or bequest, order in bankruptcy, insolvency, replevin, execution, sale, or satisfaction of mechanic's lien, or repossession upon default in performance of the terms of a security agreement, the person acquiring the watercraft by operation of law must promptly submit the last certificate of title, if available, or the manufacturer's or importer's certificate or other satisfactory proof of the transfer of ownership to the commissioner or deputy registrar with the application for a new certificate of title and the required fee.
(b) If a secured party acquires a titled watercraft under the terms of a security agreement or by operation of law, the secured party must promptly submit to the commissioner, a deputy registrar, or the person acquiring the watercraft from the secured party the last certificate of title, if available, an application for a new certificate of title with the required fee, and an affidavit by the secured party or an authorized representative stating the facts entitling the secured party to possession and ownership of the watercraft, including a copy of the journal entry, court order, or instrument upon which the claim of possession and ownership is founded. If the secured party cannot produce the required proof of ownership, the secured party may submit other evidence with the application and the commissioner may issue a new certificate of title if the evidence provides satisfactory proof of ownership.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 226; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
A natural person who is the owner of a watercraft may have the watercraft titled in transfer-on-death or TOD form by including in the application for the certificate of title a designation of a beneficiary or beneficiaries to whom the watercraft must be transferred on death of the owner or the last survivor of joint owners with rights of survivorship, subject to the rights of secured parties.
A watercraft is registered in transfer-on-death form by designating on the certificate of title the name of the owner and the names of joint owners with identification of rights of survivorship, followed by the words "transfer-on-death to (name of beneficiary or beneficiaries)." The designation "TOD" may be used instead of "transfer-on-death." A title in transfer-on-death form is not required to be supported by consideration, and the certificate of title in which the designation is made is not required to be delivered to the beneficiary or beneficiaries in order for the designation to be effective.
The transfer-on-death beneficiary or beneficiaries have no interest in the watercraft until the death of the owner or the last survivor of joint owners with rights of survivorship. A beneficiary designation may be changed at any time by the owner or by all joint owners with rights of survivorship, without the consent of the beneficiary or beneficiaries, by filing an application for a new certificate of title.
Ownership of a watercraft titled in transfer-on-death form vests in the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries on the death of the owner or the last of the joint owners with rights of survivorship, subject to the rights of secured parties. The transfer-on-death beneficiary or beneficiaries who survive the owner may apply for a new certificate of title to the watercraft upon submitting a certified death record of the owner of the watercraft. If no transfer-on-death beneficiary or beneficiaries survive the owner of a watercraft, the watercraft must be included in the probate estate of the deceased owner. A transfer of a watercraft to a transfer-on-death beneficiary or beneficiaries is not a testamentary transfer.
(a) This section does not limit the rights of any secured party or creditor of the owner of a watercraft against a transfer-on-death beneficiary or beneficiaries.
(b) The state or a county agency with a claim or lien authorized by section 246.53, 256B.15, 261.04, or 270C.63, is a creditor for purposes of this subdivision. A claim or lien under those sections continues to apply against the designated beneficiary or beneficiaries after the transfer under this section if other assets of the deceased owner's estate are insufficient to pay the amount of the claim. The claim or lien continues to apply to the watercraft until the designated beneficiary sells or transfers it to a person against whom the claim or lien does not apply and who did not have actual notice or knowledge of the claim or lien.
2016 c 189 art 3 s 27
Subdivision 1.Issuance to title applicant.
(a) The commissioner may issue a temporary watercraft use permit to a person applying for a certificate of title for a new or used watercraft to allow that person to operate the watercraft on the waters of this state pending completion of the titling and watercraft licensing process.
(b) The watercraft use permit must be carried aboard the watercraft to allow immediate inspection. The watercraft use permit must contain a description of the watercraft, including its trade name, if any, year, series or model, hull material, length, hull identification number, and other information prescribed by the commissioner. A permit is valid only for the watercraft for which it is issued.
Subd. 2.Distribution to dealers.
The commissioner may distribute permits in booklet form to licensed dealers. If the dealer issues a permit, the dealer must submit a watercraft use permit information form to the commissioner. The commissioner must provide information forms that require the name of the person to whom the watercraft use permit was issued, the watercraft description, dates of issue and expiration, and other information prescribed by the commissioner.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 227; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Subdivision 1.Form and issuance.
(a) The commissioner may issue a duplicate certificate of title under this section. The duplicate certificate of title must be a certified copy plainly marked "duplicate" across its face and must contain the legend: "This duplicate certificate of title may be subject to the rights of a person under the original certificate." It must be mailed to the owner. The commissioner shall indicate in the department records that a duplicate has been issued.
Subd. 3.Disappearance of original certificate.
If a certificate of title is lost, stolen, or destroyed, the owner or legal representative of the owner named in the certificate may obtain a duplicate by applying to the commissioner, furnishing information the commissioner requires concerning the original certificate, and the circumstances of its loss or destruction.
Subd. 4.Mutilated or illegible certificate.
If an original certificate of title is mutilated or rendered illegible, the person in possession of the title must return it to the commissioner with the application for a duplicate.
Subd. 5.Recovery of lost or stolen certificate.
If a lost or stolen certificate of title for which a duplicate has been issued is recovered, the lost or stolen certificate of title must be surrendered promptly to the commissioner for cancellation.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 228; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 2011 c 107 s 44
Subdivision 1.Suspension or revocation.
The commissioner shall suspend or revoke a certificate of title upon notice and reasonable opportunity to be heard if authorized by law or if the commissioner finds that:
(1) the certificate of title was fraudulently procured or erroneously issued; or
(2) the watercraft has been scrapped, dismantled, or destroyed.
Subd. 2.Duties of owner.
If the commissioner suspends or revokes a certificate of title, the owner or person in possession of the certificate of title, immediately upon receiving notice of the suspension or revocation, shall mail or deliver the certificate to the commissioner.
Subd. 3.Seizure or impoundment.
The commissioner may seize and impound a certificate of title that has been suspended or revoked.
Subd. 4.Subsequent good faith purchaser.
Suspension or revocation of a certificate of title does not affect the validity of a subsequent transfer to a purchaser relying in good faith on the assignment of a suspended or revoked title if the certificate of title was not surrendered to or seized by the commissioner under subdivisions 2 and 3, and the commissioner shall issue a new certificate of title to an applicant who is a good faith purchaser for value in those circumstances.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 229; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
The commissioner shall prescribe and provide suitable forms of applications, certificates of title, notices of security interests, and other notices and forms necessary to implement this chapter. In addition, the commissioner may:
(1) make necessary investigations to procure information required to implement this chapter;
(2) assign a new hull identification number to a watercraft if the watercraft does not have a number or the number is destroyed or obliterated; or
(3) adopt and enforce rules necessary to implement this chapter.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 230; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Subdivision 1.Felony.
A person is guilty of a felony and punishable by imprisonment for a term of not more than four years, or payment of a fine of not more than $5,000, or both, if the person with fraudulent intent:
(1) uses a false or fictitious name or address, makes a material false statement, fails to disclose a security interest, or conceals any other material fact in an application for a certificate of title; or
(2) submits a false, forged, or fictitious document in support of an application for a certificate of title.
Subd. 2.Misdemeanor.
A person is guilty of a misdemeanor if that person:
(1) with fraudulent intent permits another to use or possess a certificate of title who is not entitled to use or possess the certificate of title;
(2) willfully fails to mail or deliver a certificate of title to the commissioner or a deputy registrar within ten days after the time required;
(3) willfully fails to deliver to a person acquiring a watercraft a certificate of title within ten days after the time required;
(4) commits a fraud in an application for a certificate of title; or
(5) fails to notify the commissioner of a fact as required by law.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 231; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Subdivision 1.Fees.
(a) The fee to be paid to the commissioner:
(1) for issuing an original certificate of title, including the concurrent notation of an assignment of the security interest and its subsequent release or satisfaction, is $15;
(2) for each security interest when first noted upon a certificate of title, including the concurrent notation of an assignment of the security interest and its subsequent release or satisfaction, is $10;
(3) for transferring the interest of an owner and issuing a new certificate of title, is $10;
(4) for each assignment of a security interest when first noted on a certificate of title, unless noted concurrently with the security interest, is $1; and
(5) for issuing a duplicate certificate of title, is $4.
(b) In addition to other statutory fees and taxes, a filing fee of $7 is imposed on every watercraft title application. The filing fee must be shown as a separate item on title renewal notices sent by the commissioner.
Subd. 2.Concurrent applications.
If a person applies for an original or a new certificate of title for a watercraft concurrently with an application for transfer of license of the watercraft to the applicant, the fee prescribed in subdivision 1 is in lieu of the fee prescribed by sections 86B.125, 86B.301, and 86B.401 to 86B.421 for a transfer of ownership or license of the watercraft to the applicant.
Subd. 3.Fees paid before title issued.
Subject to subdivision 2, the commissioner may not issue a certificate of title for a watercraft until the fees prescribed by subdivision 1 and sections 86B.125, 86B.301, and 86B.401 to 86B.421 for a prior transfer of ownership or license of the watercraft have been paid.
Subd. 4.Deposit of fee.
Fees collected under this section must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to the water recreation account, except a deputy registrar who originates an application shall retain the filing fee under subdivision 1, paragraph (b).
1989 c 335 art 1 s 232; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 1995 c 220 s 75; 2003 c 128 art 1 s 48
The requirements of this chapter relating to security interests and certificate of title do not apply to or affect:
(1) a lien given by statute or rule of law to a supplier of services or materials for the watercraft while the watercraft is in the possession of the lienholder;
(2) a lien given by statute to the United States, this state, or a political subdivision of this state; or
(3) a security interest in a watercraft created by a manufacturer or dealer who holds the watercraft for sale.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 233; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Subdivision 1.Validity.
Unless excepted by section 86B.875, a security interest in a titled watercraft is not valid against creditors of the owner or subsequent transferees or secured parties of the watercraft unless perfected as provided in this chapter.
Subd. 2.Perfection.
A security interest is perfected by the delivery to the commissioner of the existing certificate of title, if any, or an application for a certificate of title, containing the name and address of the secured party, the date of the security agreement, and the required fee. A security interest is perfected as of the time of the delivery. The method provided in this chapter is exclusive.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 234; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 2001 c 195 art 1 s 1
(c) A second or subordinate secured party does not affect the rights of the first secured party under the security agreement.
(d) Upon receiving the certificate of title, application, and required fee, the commissioner shall either endorse on the certificate or issue a new certificate containing the name and address of the new secured party, and mail or deliver the certificate to the owner. The secured party or parties shall be issued a notification that the security interest has been recorded.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 235; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3; 2011 c 107 s 45
(a) If a security interest in a previously licensed watercraft is perfected under other applicable Minnesota law on January 1, 1991, the security interest continues perfected:
(1) until its perfection lapses under the law under which it was perfected or would lapse in the absence of a further filing; or
(2) until a certificate of title for the watercraft is issued and the security interest is perfected under section 86B.880.
(b) The assignment, release, or satisfaction of a security interest in a previously licensed watercraft is governed by the laws under which it was perfected.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 236; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Subdivision 1.Release.
Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a watercraft for which the certificate of title is in the possession of the secured party, the secured party, within 15 days, shall execute a release of the security interest in the space provided on the certificate or as prescribed by the commissioner, and mail or deliver the certificate and release to the next secured party named or, if none, to the owner or a person who delivers to the secured party an authorization from the owner to receive the certificate. The owner, other than a dealer holding the watercraft for resale, shall promptly have the certificate, the release, and the required fee mailed or delivered to the commissioner, who shall release the secured party's rights on the certificate or issue a new certificate.
Subd. 2.Release of subordinate security interest.
Upon the satisfaction of a security interest in a watercraft for which the certificate of title is in the possession of a prior secured party, the secured party whose security interest is satisfied shall execute a release in the form prescribed by the commissioner and, within 15 days after satisfaction, deliver the release to the owner or a person who delivers to the secured party.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 237; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
A secured party named in a certificate of title, upon written request of the owner or other secured party named on the certificate, must disclose pertinent information about the security agreement and the indebtedness secured by it.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 238; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Suspension or revocation of a certificate of title does not, in itself, affect the validity of a security interest noted on it.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 239; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
If the commissioner is not satisfied that there are no undisclosed security interests created before the watercraft is initially titled, the commissioner may, in addition to its options under section 86B.830, subdivision 4, issue a distinctive certificate of title for the watercraft containing the legend: "This watercraft may be subject to an undisclosed lien," and any other information the commissioner prescribes.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 240; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
(a) A nonpossessory lien on a titled watercraft is not perfected unless a lien statement is filed with the commissioner.
(b) The lien statement must include:
(1) the watercraft owner's name and address;
(2) the statute under which the lien is taken;
(3) the name and address of the lienholder; and
(4) the title number of the watercraft.
(c) The commissioner shall note the time and date of filing the lien statement.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 241; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3
Subdivision 1.Duty of peace officers.
A peace officer aware of a stolen or converted watercraft shall immediately furnish the commissioner with information concerning the theft or conversion.
Subd. 2.Duty of commissioner.
The commissioner, upon receiving a report of the theft or conversion of a watercraft, shall record the report information, including the make of the stolen or converted watercraft and its builder's hull identification number, if any. The commissioner shall prepare a list of watercraft reported stolen and those recovered as disclosed by the reports submitted. The report may be distributed as the commissioner deems advisable.
Subd. 3.Duty of owner.
If a stolen or converted watercraft is recovered, the owner shall immediately notify the commissioner.
1989 c 335 art 1 s 242; 1990 c 391 art 10 s 3