Illinois Boating Laws – What you need to Know

Written by Ben in General Info

Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp) only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.

Who May Operate a Vessel (625 ILCS 45/5-18)  

Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp) only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.

  • Persons under the age of 10 may not operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC).
  • Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp, including a PWC, only if they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
  • Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only if:
    • They complete a boating safety course and possess a Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or…
    • They are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
  • Parents, guardians, or designees born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to supervise a person 10 to 17 years old who is operating a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp. 

Requirements for PWC (625 ILCS 45/4-1, 625 ILCS 45/4-11, 625 ILCS 45/5-2, 625 ILCS 45/5-18, 625 ILCS 45/5-20) 

In addition to adhering to all boating laws, personal watercraft (PWC) operators have requirements specific to their vessel.

  • Every person on board a PWC or a specialty propcraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device that is in good and serviceable condition. (Inflatable PFDs are not approved for PWC or prop-craft use.)
  • If the PWC is equipped with an engine cut-off switch:
    • The lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator or…
    • The wireless cut-off system must be activated.
  • A PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
  • There are minimum age and boater education requirements for PWC operators. See “Who May Operate a Vessel.”
  • A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:
    • Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic
    • Jumping a wake of another vessel unreasonably close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
    • Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve and avoid collision 

Personal Flotation Devices (625 ILCS 45/4-1) 

When preparing to go out on a vessel, the operator must check that the legally required equipment is on board.

  • All vessels must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)–approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD), sometimes called life jacket, for each person on board or being towed. All vessels 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks, also must carry one USCG–approved throwable device.
  • All children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD on vessels less than 26 feet in length when underway, unless they are below decks in an enclosed cabin or on a vessel operating on private property.
  • A personal watercraft (PWC) or a specialty prop-craft may not be operated unless each person on board is wearing a USCG–approved PFD. (Inflatable PFDs are not approved for PWC or prop-craft use.)
  • Besides being USCG–approved, all PFDs must be:
    • In good and serviceable condition.
    • Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency.
    • Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
    • Legibly marked with the USCG approval number.  

Fire Extinguishers (625 ILCS 45/4-5)  

All vessels equipped with an internal combustion engine operating on Illinois waters are required to have at least a USCG–approved fire extinguisher on board 

Boat Battery (625 ILCS 45/4-10)  

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel equipped with a stored battery unless the battery is secured against shifting. The battery must be equipped with non-conductive terminal shields to prevent accidental shorting. 

Engine Cut-Off Switch (625 ILCS 45/4-11)  

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel, including a PWC or specialty prop-craft, that is equipped with an engine cut-off switch unless the switch is operational and fully functional. ■ With a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator. ■ With a wireless cut-off device, the wireless system must be activated.  

Sound-Producing Devices (625 ILCS 45/4-4 and 45/4-8) 

  • On Illinois state waters, all motorized vessels must have a mouth-, hand-, or power-operated whistle or other device capable of producing a blast that is two seconds or more in duration and audible for at least one-half mile.
  • No vessel may be equipped with a siren, except law enforcement and emergency vessels.  

Visual Distress Signals (625 ILCS 45/4-12)  

Vessels on Lake Michigan must be equipped with USCG– approved visual distress signals (VDSs). All vessels are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Vessels 16 feet long or longer must carry day signals also, 

Navigation Lights (625 ILCS 45/4-2 and 45/4-8)  

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.  

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway  

If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit lights. Remember, power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under engine power. The required lights are:

  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night.
  • An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights. 

Unpowered Vessels When 

Underway Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled, poled, or rowed.

  • If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit lights. The required lights are:
    • Red and green sidelights visible from at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away.
    • A sternlight visible from at least two miles away.
  • If less than 23.0 feet long, these vessels should:
  • If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet in length.
  • If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light.  

All Vessels When Not Underway

All vessels are required to display a white light visible for one mile from all directions whenever they are anchored away from a dock or moored in an area other than a designated mooring area between sunset and sunrise. 

Navigation Rules – Follow Navigation Rules (625 ILCS 45/5-13) 

All operators are equally responsible for taking action to avoid collisions. There are two terms that help explain these rules.

  • Stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed.
  • Give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid collision by stopping, slowing down, or changing course. 

Alcohol and Drugs (625 ILCS 45/5-16)  

Illinois law prohibits anyone from operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • By operating a vessel on Illinois waters, you have given “implied” consent to alcohol and/or drug testing if arrested for operating under the influence.
  • Illinois law states that a person is considered to be operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs if:
    • The alcohol concentration in his or her blood or breath is 0.08% or more or…
    • The person is under the influence of any other drug or combination of drugs and/or alcohol to a degree that renders him or her incapable of operating the vessel safely or…
    • The person has any amount of a drug, substance, or compound in his or her blood or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis, a controlled substance, or an intoxicating compound. 

Registering and Titling (625 ILCS 45/3) 

All operators are required to obey laws that regulate your vessel’s registration, titling, and operation.  

  • You must have an Illinois Certificate of Number (registration), expiration decals, and Certificate of Title to operate your vessel legally. The only exceptions are:
    • Unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
    • Vessels owned by the federal or state government
    • Vessels properly registered in another state and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
    • Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
    • Vessels used solely as lifeboats
    • Vessels registered in other countries temporarily using Illinois waters
    • Vessels used exclusively and solely for racing purposes
  • Vessels 21 feet and under in length are not required to have a Certificate of Title.
  • Registration is valid for three years. All certificates expire on September 30 at the end of the three-year period.
  • The registration number and expiration decals must be displayed as follows.
    • Number must be placed on each side of the bow of the vessel.
    • Number must read from left to right on one line, starting with two capital letters—IL—followed by a space and four digits followed by a space and two capital letters, for example: IL 1234 AB.
    • Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
    • Number’s color must contrast sharply with its background.
    • Decals must be placed on both sides of the bow after a space at the end of the number.
  • Unpowered watercraft are not required to obtain Illinois registration numbers.
  • Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. These vessels are required to display the expiration decal on either side of the documented vessel name.
  • The owner of a vessel requiring registration and titling must file a watercraft application with the Department of Natural Resources. The application must be signed by the owner and must be accompanied by the required documents and appropriate fee. The required documents are as follows.
    • New vessels: The original properly endorsed Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
    • Vessels previously registered or titled in another state: The owner’s registration certificate and/or title
    • Illinois titled vessels: The owner’s Illinois title 

Requirements for Towing Skiers (625 ILCS 45/5-14) 

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, or any similar devices must obey these laws also.  

  • When a vessel is pulling a person on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices, the operator must have a competent person on board to act as an observer.
  • All vessels, including PWC, that are towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices must be designed and recommended by the manufacturer to accommodate the operator, observer, and person(s) being towed.
  • A person may not be towed from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise.
  • Those towing skiers on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices and those being towed must act in a safe and prudent manner.
    • Vessels towing persons must maintain a reasonable distance from other persons and property so as not to endanger the life or property of any person.
    • It is illegal to operate the vessel or manipulate the towing rope, water skis, or other devices such that the towed device or person collides with any other person or object. 

The Skier-Towing Flag (625 ILCS 45/5–14)  

Vessels towing persons on water skis or other devices must display a skier-towing flag from the highest point around the vessel’s helm so that it is visible from all directions at all times while a person is in the water preparing to be towed, while the person is being towed, and until the person has re-entered the vessel. The flag may not be used for any other purpose. The flag must be bright orange and at least 12” x 12” in size. 

Diver-Down Flags (625 ILCS 45/5-19)  

  • Persons scuba diving, skin diving, snorkeling, or underwater spearfishing must display a diver-down flag to warn other boaters. A diver must stay within 150 feet of the flag. Unless there is an emergency, a diver may not surface more than 50 feet from the flag. It is unlawful to display a diver-down flag when not diving. Vessels not engaged in diving operations must stay at least 150 feet from a displayed diver-down flag.
  • Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity 

Enforcement (625 ILCS 45/2 and 45/5-22) 

Illinois DNR officers and all other law enforcement officers enforce boating laws.

  • Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check that you are complying with state and federal laws.
  • It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop.
  • You must yield or slow to “slow, no wake speed” when being approached by or passing an emergency vessel using legal visual signals. Failure to yield or slow will result in a mandatory suspension of vessel operating privileges for a period of three months up to two years. 

For more information contact: 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 782-6302 

Illinois Boating Laws – What you need to Know

Written by Boats Watersports in General Info

Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp) only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.

Who May Operate a Vessel (625 ILCS 45/5-18)  

Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp) only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources.

  • Persons under the age of 10 may not operate any motorized vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC).
  • Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp, including a PWC, only if they are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
  • Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only if:
    • They complete a boating safety course and possess a Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the Department of Natural Resources or…
    • They are accompanied by and under the direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
  • Parents, guardians, or designees born on or after January 1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to supervise a person 10 to 17 years old who is operating a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp. 

Requirements for PWC (625 ILCS 45/4-1, 625 ILCS 45/4-11, 625 ILCS 45/5-2, 625 ILCS 45/5-18, 625 ILCS 45/5-20) 

In addition to adhering to all boating laws, personal watercraft (PWC) operators have requirements specific to their vessel.

  • Every person on board a PWC or a specialty propcraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved personal flotation device that is in good and serviceable condition. (Inflatable PFDs are not approved for PWC or prop-craft use.)
  • If the PWC is equipped with an engine cut-off switch:
    • The lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator or…
    • The wireless cut-off system must be activated.
  • A PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
  • There are minimum age and boater education requirements for PWC operators. See “Who May Operate a Vessel.”
  • A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner. Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited, including:
    • Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic
    • Jumping a wake of another vessel unreasonably close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
    • Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve and avoid collision 

Personal Flotation Devices (625 ILCS 45/4-1) 

When preparing to go out on a vessel, the operator must check that the legally required equipment is on board.

  • All vessels must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)–approved wearable personal flotation device (PFD), sometimes called life jacket, for each person on board or being towed. All vessels 16 feet or longer, except canoes and kayaks, also must carry one USCG–approved throwable device.
  • All children under the age of 13 must wear a PFD on vessels less than 26 feet in length when underway, unless they are below decks in an enclosed cabin or on a vessel operating on private property.
  • A personal watercraft (PWC) or a specialty prop-craft may not be operated unless each person on board is wearing a USCG–approved PFD. (Inflatable PFDs are not approved for PWC or prop-craft use.)
  • Besides being USCG–approved, all PFDs must be:
    • In good and serviceable condition.
    • Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the PFD on quickly in an emergency.
    • Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on body weight and chest size.
    • Legibly marked with the USCG approval number.  

Fire Extinguishers (625 ILCS 45/4-5)  

All vessels equipped with an internal combustion engine operating on Illinois waters are required to have at least a USCG–approved fire extinguisher on board 

Boat Battery (625 ILCS 45/4-10)  

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel equipped with a stored battery unless the battery is secured against shifting. The battery must be equipped with non-conductive terminal shields to prevent accidental shorting. 

Engine Cut-Off Switch (625 ILCS 45/4-11)  

It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel, including a PWC or specialty prop-craft, that is equipped with an engine cut-off switch unless the switch is operational and fully functional. ■ With a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch, the lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator. ■ With a wireless cut-off device, the wireless system must be activated.  

Sound-Producing Devices (625 ILCS 45/4-4 and 45/4-8) 

  • On Illinois state waters, all motorized vessels must have a mouth-, hand-, or power-operated whistle or other device capable of producing a blast that is two seconds or more in duration and audible for at least one-half mile.
  • No vessel may be equipped with a siren, except law enforcement and emergency vessels.  

Visual Distress Signals (625 ILCS 45/4-12)  

Vessels on Lake Michigan must be equipped with USCG– approved visual distress signals (VDSs). All vessels are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. Vessels 16 feet long or longer must carry day signals also, 

Navigation Lights (625 ILCS 45/4-2 and 45/4-8)  

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.  

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway  

If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit lights. Remember, power-driven vessels include sailboats operating under engine power. The required lights are:

  • Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away—on a dark, clear night.
  • An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at least two miles away on a dark, clear night. The all-round white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet higher than the sidelights. 

Unpowered Vessels When 

Underway Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled, poled, or rowed.

  • If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit lights. The required lights are:
    • Red and green sidelights visible from at least two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away.
    • A sternlight visible from at least two miles away.
  • If less than 23.0 feet long, these vessels should:
  • If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet in length.
  • If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or flashlight shining a white light.  

All Vessels When Not Underway

All vessels are required to display a white light visible for one mile from all directions whenever they are anchored away from a dock or moored in an area other than a designated mooring area between sunset and sunrise. 

Navigation Rules – Follow Navigation Rules (625 ILCS 45/5-13) 

All operators are equally responsible for taking action to avoid collisions. There are two terms that help explain these rules.

  • Stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed.
  • Give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid collision by stopping, slowing down, or changing course. 

Alcohol and Drugs (625 ILCS 45/5-16)  

Illinois law prohibits anyone from operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

  • By operating a vessel on Illinois waters, you have given “implied” consent to alcohol and/or drug testing if arrested for operating under the influence.
  • Illinois law states that a person is considered to be operating a vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs if:
    • The alcohol concentration in his or her blood or breath is 0.08% or more or…
    • The person is under the influence of any other drug or combination of drugs and/or alcohol to a degree that renders him or her incapable of operating the vessel safely or…
    • The person has any amount of a drug, substance, or compound in his or her blood or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis, a controlled substance, or an intoxicating compound. 

Registering and Titling (625 ILCS 45/3) 

All operators are required to obey laws that regulate your vessel’s registration, titling, and operation.  

  • You must have an Illinois Certificate of Number (registration), expiration decals, and Certificate of Title to operate your vessel legally. The only exceptions are:
    • Unpowered vessels, including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
    • Vessels owned by the federal or state government
    • Vessels properly registered in another state and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
    • Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
    • Vessels used solely as lifeboats
    • Vessels registered in other countries temporarily using Illinois waters
    • Vessels used exclusively and solely for racing purposes
  • Vessels 21 feet and under in length are not required to have a Certificate of Title.
  • Registration is valid for three years. All certificates expire on September 30 at the end of the three-year period.
  • The registration number and expiration decals must be displayed as follows.
    • Number must be placed on each side of the bow of the vessel.
    • Number must read from left to right on one line, starting with two capital letters—IL—followed by a space and four digits followed by a space and two capital letters, for example: IL 1234 AB.
    • Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
    • Number’s color must contrast sharply with its background.
    • Decals must be placed on both sides of the bow after a space at the end of the number.
  • Unpowered watercraft are not required to obtain Illinois registration numbers.
  • Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. These vessels are required to display the expiration decal on either side of the documented vessel name.
  • The owner of a vessel requiring registration and titling must file a watercraft application with the Department of Natural Resources. The application must be signed by the owner and must be accompanied by the required documents and appropriate fee. The required documents are as follows.
    • New vessels: The original properly endorsed Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
    • Vessels previously registered or titled in another state: The owner’s registration certificate and/or title
    • Illinois titled vessels: The owner’s Illinois title 

Requirements for Towing Skiers (625 ILCS 45/5-14) 

Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, or any similar devices must obey these laws also.  

  • When a vessel is pulling a person on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices, the operator must have a competent person on board to act as an observer.
  • All vessels, including PWC, that are towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices must be designed and recommended by the manufacturer to accommodate the operator, observer, and person(s) being towed.
  • A person may not be towed from a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise.
  • Those towing skiers on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices and those being towed must act in a safe and prudent manner.
    • Vessels towing persons must maintain a reasonable distance from other persons and property so as not to endanger the life or property of any person.
    • It is illegal to operate the vessel or manipulate the towing rope, water skis, or other devices such that the towed device or person collides with any other person or object. 

The Skier-Towing Flag (625 ILCS 45/5–14)  

Vessels towing persons on water skis or other devices must display a skier-towing flag from the highest point around the vessel’s helm so that it is visible from all directions at all times while a person is in the water preparing to be towed, while the person is being towed, and until the person has re-entered the vessel. The flag may not be used for any other purpose. The flag must be bright orange and at least 12” x 12” in size. 

Diver-Down Flags (625 ILCS 45/5-19)  

  • Persons scuba diving, skin diving, snorkeling, or underwater spearfishing must display a diver-down flag to warn other boaters. A diver must stay within 150 feet of the flag. Unless there is an emergency, a diver may not surface more than 50 feet from the flag. It is unlawful to display a diver-down flag when not diving. Vessels not engaged in diving operations must stay at least 150 feet from a displayed diver-down flag.
  • Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity 

Enforcement (625 ILCS 45/2 and 45/5-22) 

Illinois DNR officers and all other law enforcement officers enforce boating laws.

  • Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check that you are complying with state and federal laws.
  • It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop.
  • You must yield or slow to “slow, no wake speed” when being approached by or passing an emergency vessel using legal visual signals. Failure to yield or slow will result in a mandatory suspension of vessel operating privileges for a period of three months up to two years. 

For more information contact: 

Illinois Department of Natural Resources
One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
(217) 782-6302 

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