Iowa Boating Laws – What you need to know

Do you need a Boating License in Iowa? 

Boater education is mandatory for any person 12 – 17 years old, who will operate a motorboat over ten horsepower or personal watercraft (PWC). Families can spend quality time together by learning to be safe on the water. Whether you choose to go fishing, sailing, pleasure boating, canoeing, or kayaking, taking a boater education course could save your life! 

Who May Operate a Vessel

• A person under 12 years of age may operate a vessel propelled by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, including a personal watercraft (PWC), only if he or she is accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and experienced in operating the vessel.
• A person 12 years of age or older but younger than 18 years of age may operate a vessel propelled by a motor of more than 10 horsepower, including a PWC, only if he or she:
  • Has successfully completed a boater education course approved by the IA DNR or…
  • Is accompanied on board by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old and experienced in operating the vessel.
• Persons required to have successfully completed a boater education course must carry their boater education certificate on board and make it available upon request by an enforcement officer. 

PWC operators must obey additional legal requirements that apply specifically to the operation of personal watercraft on Iowa waters. Requirements Specific to PWC 

• Each person on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)– approved Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD). Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on PWC.
• PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
• If the PWC is equipped with a lanyard-type engine cut-off switch (ECOS), it must be maintained in an operable condition and must be attached to the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator whenever the PWC is running and in use.
• It is illegal to operate a PWC in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of anyone. For example, it is illegal to operate:
  • At greater than “slow, no wake speed” in any posted “no wake zone”
  • At greater than 5 miles per hour (mph) within 100 feet of another vessel that is underway at 5 mph or less
  • At greater than 5 mph within 50 feet of another vessel that is underway at greater than 5 mph
  • At greater than 10 mph unless vision is unobstructed for at least 200 feet ahead
  • At greater than 10 mph within 300 feet of shore (except in specially zoned areas) on any inland lake or federal impoundment
• It is illegal to chase or harass wildlife with a PWC.  

Specifically for Skiing Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or other similar device have additional laws to follow. Requirements for Towing Skiers:

• Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or other device must have on board, in addition to the operator, a responsible person in a position to observe the progress of the person(s) being towed.
• All persons being towed behind a vessel on water skis, a surfboard, or other device must wear a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)–approved personal flotation device (PFD). Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use by persons being towed.
• A boat may tow a person(s) on water skis, a surfboard, or other device between sunrise and one-half hour after sunset only. If the towing vessel is a PWC, it may tow between sunrise and sunset only.
• It is illegal to operate any vessel in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner. It is illegal to operate a vessel:
  • At greater than 5 miles per hour (mph) within 100 feet of another vessel that is underway at 5 mph or less
  • At greater than 5 mph within 50 feet of another vessel that is underway at greater than 5 mph
• Local speed restrictions exist. It is illegal to operate at:
  • Greater than 25 mph between one-half hour after sunset and sunrise on any lake in Dickinson County
  • Greater than 10 mph between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise on Lake Delhi 
• A person may not operate a vessel if its capacity would be exceeded by the persons in the vessel plus the persons being towed. If towing a person with a PWC, the PWC must be rated to carry at least three people—the operator, the observer, and the person being towed. 
• It is recommended that boaters use a skier-down flag that is at least 12″ x 12″ in size and blaze orange in color. This flag should be raised into the air when the towed person(s) is in the water preparing to be towed or awaiting pick up by the towing vessel.  

Before going out on the water, take steps to make the outing safe and enjoyable.  

Vessel Length Classes

• A vessel’s length class dictates the equipment necessary to comply with federal and state laws.
• Vessels are divided into length classes:
  • Less than 16 feet (Class I)
  • 16 feet to less than 26 feet (Class II)
  • 26 feet to less than 40 feet (Class III)
  • 40 feet to less than 65 feet (Class IV)
• Length is measured from the tip of the bow in a straight line to the stern. This does not include outboard motors, brackets, rudders, bow attachments, or swim platforms and ladders that are not a molded part of the hull.  

Vessel Capacity

• Always check the capacity plate, which is usually found near the operator’s position or on the vessel’s transom. You must not exceed either the maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of whole people stated on the plate.
• Personal watercraft (PWC) and some other vessels are not required to have a capacity plate. Always follow the recommended capacity in the owner’s manual and on the manufacturer’s warning decal.  

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• All vessels must have at least one U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)–approved wearable Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device (PFD), sometimes known as a life jacket, for each person on board.
• In addition to the above requirement, one USCG–approved throwable Type IV device must be on board vessels 16 feet or longer except canoes or kayaks.
• Each person on board a personal watercraft (PWC) or being towed behind a vessel on water skis, a surfboard, or similar device must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for persons on PWC or being towed. Windsurfers are not required to wear a PFD but must have one on board.
• PFDs must have a legible USCG approval tag and be:
  • In good and serviceable condition. PFDs must not have a torn or missing strap; punctured flotation bag; waterlogged flotation material; rotted material in straps, webbing, or cover; missing laces; missing hardware; torn or perforated envelope; torn stitching; or any other condition that impairs the operating efficiency. Inflatable PFDs must have operable gas cartridges.
  • 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.  

Children Must Wear PFDs: While underway on a recreational vessel on any Iowa waters, a child under 13 years old must wear a USCG–approved PFD unless the child is in an enclosed cabin or below deck or is a passenger on a commercial vessel with a capacity of 25 people or more. 

TYPE I: Wearable Offshore Life Jackets These vests are geared for rough or remote waters where rescue may take awhile. They provide the most buoyancy, are excellent for flotation, and will turn most unconscious persons face up in the water.  

TYPE II: Wearable Near-Shore Vests These vests are good for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. A Type II may not turn some unconscious wearers face up in the water.  

TYPE III: Wearable Flotation Aids These vests or full-sleeved jackets are good for calm waters when quick rescue is likely. They are not recommended for rough waters, as they will not turn most unconscious persons face up.  

TYPE IV: Throwable Devices These cushions and ring buoys are designed to be thrown to someone in trouble. Because a throwable device is not designed to be worn, it is neither for rough waters nor for persons who are unable to hold onto it.  

TYPE V: Special-Use Devices These vests, deck suits, hybrid PFDs, and others are designed for specific activities such as windsurfing, kayaking, or waterskiing. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with their label.  

NEW PFD (Life Jacket) Label

You will start seeing the new PFD label on PFDs when you are out buying recreational outdoor equipment. The new PFD label is divided into three sections:

• Selection and Warning: This section includes the size of the PFD, performance information, etc.
• Certification and Approval: This section includes the USCG approval number, manufacturer’s information, etc.
• Care and Maintenance: This section includes information relating to the care and maintenance of the PFD. No matter which label you are looking at, there are three things you should focus on.
• User weight
• Chest size
• USCG approval number  

Remember—PFDs must have a legible USCG approval tag and be in a good and serviceable condition, readily accessible, and of the proper size for the intended wearer.  

Navigation Lights

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and whenever the weather reduces visibility.  

Power-Driven Vessels When Underway  

If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the 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.  

Sailboats When Underway  

If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights. 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.
• A sternlight visible from at least two miles away.  

Manually Powered Vessels When Underway 

Manually powered vessels are boats that are paddled, poled, or rowed.

• If less than 23.0 feet long, these vessels should exhibit a white light visible for 360 degrees around the horizon and visible from a distance of at least one mile away if operating on natural lakes, Corps of Engineers impoundments, border rivers, or impoundments on inland rivers. If this light is partially obscured due to the nature of the vessel, an additional white light must be on hand to be shown in sufficient time to prevent a collision.
• Regardless of length, these vessels must have on board a white light to be used when necessary between sunset and sunrise when operated on bodies of water other than those listed above.  

Specifically for Paddlesports in Iowa

Paddling down a river can be safe and enjoyable. But, according to statistics, paddlers in small crafts, such as canoes, kayaks, and rafts, are more than twice as likely to drown as those operating other types of vessels. Paddlers need to consider themselves “boaters.” They must adhere to the same laws as operators of any other type of vessel and should follow the same safety practices. Preparing for Safety As a paddler, you can take steps to help ensure your safety.

• Always wear a personal flotation device (PFD).
• Make sure you have the skills needed to operate a small, unstable craft safely and to reboard the craft from the water. These skills are best learned through hands-on training.
• Never paddle alone. Bring along at least one other boater. Three crafts with two paddlers each is recommended. If unfamiliar with the waterway, be sure to paddle with someone who is knowledgeable about it.
• Never overload the craft. Tie down gear, and distribute weight evenly. Maintain a low center of gravity and three points of contact. Keep your weight centered in the craft. Leaning a shoulder over the edge of the craft can destabilize it enough to cause it to capsize.
• Leave a float plan with a friend or relative. Map a general route with a timetable when embarking on a long trip.
• Know the weather conditions before you head out. While paddling, watch the weather and stay close to shore. Head for shore if the waves increase. 

Safety While Paddling

• Always wear a PFD. Also wear a helmet when paddling on rapid waters.
• Don’t overload the craft with passengers or gear.
• Stay seated. Standing up or moving around in a small craft can cause it to capsize.
• Fasten down all ropes so that there is no danger of becoming entangled in case you overturn.
• If you capsize, stay at the upstream end of the craft. If carried by the current, float on your back with your feet pointed downstream, keeping your toes up and your feet together. Never try to stand unless the water is too shallow to swim.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Get out of the water before a storm hits.
• Before paddling on a river, make sure you understand the special challenges you may encounter.
  • Consult a map of the river, and know where any low-head dams are located. Water going over a low-head dam creates a strong recirculating current at the base of the dam, which can trap you against the face of the dam under the water. Always carry your craft around a low-head dam.
  • When approaching rapids, go ashore well upstream and check them out before continuing. In dangerous conditions, carry your craft around rapids.
  • Be alert for strainers, which are river obstructions that allow water to flow through but block vessels and could throw you overboard and damage or trap your craft.  

Stand-Up Paddleboards (SUPs)  

The use of SUPs on lakes and rivers is growing in popularity. The U.S. Coast Guard classifies SUPs as vessels.

• Paddleboarders must comply with recreational boating laws and rules.
• Paddleboards must have:
  • A PFD for each person on board
  • A sound-producing device such as a whistle when used on federally controlled waters
  • Navigation lights when used between sunset and sunrise— this may be a flashlight or a headlamp with a white light 

Fire Extinguishers  

Effective April 20, 2022, any non-rechargeable (disposable) fire extinguisher that is older than 12 years should be removed from service. Refer to the date of manufacturing stamped on the bottle; for example, “05” means “2005.”

• All vessels on federally controlled waters are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:
  • Any inboard engine
  • Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or not filled completely with flotation materials
  • Closed living spaces
  • Closed compartments where flammable or combustible materials may be stored
  • Permanently installed fuel tanks
• Vessels on Iowa state waters are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if the vessel is propelled by an outboard motor of greater than 10 horsepower.  

The following information for Fire Extinguishers effective April 20, 2022.

• Vessels that have a model year of 2018 and newer may carry only 5-B or 20-B rated fire extinguishers with date stamp.
• Vessels with a model year between 1953 and 2017 may carry either:
  • Unexpired 5-B or 20-B rated fire extinguishers or…
  • B-I or B-II rated fire extinguishers that are in good and serviceable condition. Model Year means the period beginning June 1 of a year and ending on July 31 of the following year and being designated by the year in which it ends.  

Backfire Flame Arrestors

Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in case the engine backfires.

• On Iowa state waters, all powerboats (except outboards) that are fueled with a volatile liquid (such as gasoline) must have an approved backfire flame arrestor, backfire trap, or similar device on each carburetor.
• Backfire flame arrestors must be:
  • In good and serviceable condition and…
  • USCG–approved (must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards).
• Periodically clean the flame arrestor(s) and check for damage. 

Sound-Producing Devices

In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound producing device is essential.  

f on State Waters or on the Mississippi River, Missouri River, or Federal Reservoirs – in Iowa include Saylorville, Red Rock, Rathbun, and Coralville Reservoirs.

Less than 16 feet long (Class I)	None required, but at least a whistle is recommended
16 feet long or longer but less than 26 feet long (Class II)	Whistle or other sound-producing device required
26 feet long or longer (Class III or IV)	Whistle or other sound-producing device and a bell required
If on Federally Controlled Waters
Less than 39.4 feet long (includes PWC)	Some way of making an efficient sound signal, such as handheld air horn, athletic whistle, an installed horn, etc.
39.4 feet long or longer	Device that can make an efficient sound signal that is audible for one-half mile and lasts for 4 to 6 seconds

Sound Signals  

Some common sound signals that you should be familiar with as a recreational boater are as follows. Changing Direction

• One short blast tells other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my port (left) side.”
• Two short blasts tell other boaters, “I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side.”
• Three short blasts tell other boaters, “I am operating astern propulsion.” For some vessels, this tells other boaters, “I am backing up.” Restricted Visibility
• One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway.
• One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats under sail. Warning
• One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
• Five (or more) short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater’s intentions.  

Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)  

Visual distress signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency.

• Visual Distress Signals are not required on Iowa state waters, but it is strongly recommended that you carry VDSs on your vessel.
• Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with visual distress signals that are USCG–approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible. When operating on federally controlled waters, here are the requirements.
  • All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
  • Most vessels must carry day signals also; exceptions to the requirement for day signals are: – Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length – Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length – Manually propelled vessels
• If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, they must be dated. Expired VDSs may be carried on board, but a minimum of three unexpired VDSs must be carried in the vessel.
• The following combinations of signals are examples of VDSs that could be carried on board to satisfy USCG requirements: • Three handheld red flares (day and night)
  • One handheld red flare and two red meteors (day and night)
  • One handheld orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke signals (day), and one electric light (night only)
• It is prohibited to display Visual Distress Signals while on the water unless assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board.  

Unlawful Operation of a Vessel In Iowa

• Reckless or Negligent Operation of a vessel or the reckless manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or similar device is operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or property of any person.
• Improper Speed or Distance (the most common violation) is not maintaining a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate a vessel:
  • At greater than “slow, no wake speed” in any posted “no wake zone”
  • At greater than 5 miles per hour (mph) within 100 feet of another vessel that is underway at 5 mph or less
  • At greater than 5 mph within 50 feet of another vessel that is underway at greater than 5 mph
  • At greater than 10 mph unless vision is unobstructed for at least 200 feet ahead
  • At greater than 10 mph within 300 feet of shore (except in specially zoned areas) on any inland lake or federal impoundment
  • At greater than 5 mph within 300 feet of shore on any lake in Dickinson County
  • At greater than 25 mph between one-half hour after sunset and sunrise on any lake in Dickinson County
  • At greater than 10 mph between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise on Lake Delhi  

Alcohol and Drugs Iowa law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI). This includes the operation of any vessel or manipulation of any water skis, surfboard, or similar device while under the influence of alcohol; marijuana; a narcotic, hypnotic, or other drug; or any combination of these substances. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slower reaction times.  

• Iowa law states that a person is considered to be boating while intoxicated (BWI) if he or she:
  • Is under the influence of alcohol or other drug or a combination of such substances or…
  • Has a blood, breath, or urine alcohol concentration of 0.08% or more or…
  • Has any amount of a controlled substance present in his or her person, as measured in blood or urine.  
• Iowa law establishes the following penalties for BWI.
  • Upon a first conviction, a person may be fined up to $1,000, jailed for at least 48 hours, and prohibited from operating a vessel for one year.
  • Upon a second conviction, a person may be fined up to $5,000, jailed for at least 7 days, and prohibited from operating a vessel for two years.
  • Upon the third and subsequent convictions, a person may be fined up to $7,500, jailed for up to one year, and prohibited from operating a vessel for six years.
  • In addition, persons convicted of BWI will be assigned to substance abuse evaluation/treatment and must attend a course for drinking drivers.
  • Persons convicted of BWI who caused the death or injury of someone will receive severe penalties in addition to those above.  

Filing a Float Plan Before going out on a vessel, it is always a good idea to leave a float plan with a relative or friend, or at least with a local marina. A float plan is especially important for those participating in paddlesports. A float plan should:

• Describe the vessel, including its registration number, length, make, horsepower, and engine type.
• State where you are going, the detailed route, your planned departure time, and your expected return time.
• Give the name, address, and telephone number of each person on board and an emergency contact.  

Iowa Boating Pre-Departure Checklist

You can help ensure a good time while operating your vessel by performing this pre-departure check.

• Check the weather forecast for the area and time frame during which you will be boating.
• Make sure that the steering and throttle controls operate properly and all lights are working properly.
• Check for any fuel leaks from the tank, fuel lines, and carburetor.
• Check the engine compartment for oil leaks.
• Check hose connections for leaks or cracks, and make sure hose clamps are tight.
• Drain all water from the engine compartment, and be sure the bilge plug is replaced and secure.
• Check to be sure you have a fully charged engine battery and fire extinguishers.
• If so equipped, make sure the engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and wrist lanyard are in good order.
• Make sure you have the required number of personal flotation devices (PFDs), and check that they are properly fitted for each person on board and in good condition.
• Leave a float plan with a reliable friend or relative.  

Encountering Vessels With Limited Maneuverability

• When operating a power-driven vessel, you must give way to:
  • Any vessel not under command, such as an anchored or disabled vessel
  • Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver, such as a vessel towing another or laying cable, or one constrained by its draft, such as a large ship in a channel
  • A vessel engaged in commercial fishing
  • A sailboat under sail unless it is overtaking
• When operating a vessel under sail, you must give way to:
  • Any vessel not under command
  • Any vessel restricted in its ability to maneuver
  • A vessel engaged in commercial fishing
• When operating a power-driven vessel or a vessel under sail, you must give way to any manually propelled vessel.  

Navigation Rules

There are two terms that help explain these rules.

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

Iowa Registering Your Boat 

 You must have an Iowa Registration Certificate and registration decals to operate a vessel on Iowa’s public waters legally. Exceptions to registration are:

• Inflatable vessels, except canoes and kayaks, that are 7 feet or less in length
• Canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) including inflatable canoes, kayaks, and SUPs that are 13 feet or less in length and have no motor or sail
• Vessels properly registered in another state and using Iowa waters for 60 or fewer days within one calendar year  

The Registration Certificate (pocket-sized registration certificate) must be on board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated.  

The registration number and registration decals must be displayed as follows.

• Number must be painted, applied as a decal, or otherwise affixed to the forward half of each side of the vessel, placed for maximum visibility. .
• No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
• Number must read from left to right on both sides of the vessel.
• Number must be in at least 3-inch-high, bold, BLOCK letters.
• Number’s color must contrast with its background.
• Letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or hyphen: IA 3717 ZW or IA-3717-ZW.
• Decals must be affixed on each side of the vessel, toward the stern of the registration number, 4 inches from and in line with the number.  

If a vessel is propelled by sail alone, the registration number may be placed in a position to provide maximum visibility, including placement on the mast. 

A sailboard is not required to display the registration number, but the decal must be placed on the bottom surface of the bow of the sailboard.  

If your vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate it or allow others to operate your vessel unless it is registered and numbered. 

Other Facts About Titling and Registering  

• All vessels 17 feet long or longer must have a title when purchased new, transferred, or a lien exists against the vessel. Inflatables, kayaks, and canoes are exempt from titling.
• A Registration Certificate is valid for three years and expires on April 30 of the last calendar year of the registration period. Owners of vessels that have been registered previously may be sent a renewal notice to their residence.
• If a numbered vessel is abandoned or destroyed, or if the owner’s address or name is changed, the owner must notify the County Recorder within 10 days of the event.   

Display of Vessel Capacity

The passenger capacity of a vessel must be painted on or attached to the starboard (right) side of the vessel within 9 inches of the transom and be clearly visible above the waterline when the vessel is fully loaded. The displayed passenger capacity must match the passenger capacity designated on the Registration Certificate. Most vessels have a USCG or manufacturer’s plate that shows capacity in number of persons (see “Vessel Capacity”). This is the capacity number that must be on the Registration Certificate and displayed on the right side of the vessel. If a vessel does not have a capacity plate, the capacity of the vessel is the “operator’s responsibility” (OR), and the letters OR must be on the Registration Certificate and displayed on the vessel instead of a capacity number. The displayed capacity number (or OR) must be the same size as the registration number on the bow. It is illegal to deface, destroy, remove, or alter a vessel’s capacity plate.  

Hull Identification Number (HIN)  

The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number assigned by the manufacturer to vessels built after 1972. These numbers distinguish one vessel from another. They are engraved or stamped in the hull transom, or on a metal plate attached to the transom, or are printed on inflated rafts and kayaks. Record the HIN and put in a place separate from your vessel in case warranty problems arise or your vessel is stolen.  

Regional and Special Iowa water way rules; 

A vessel equipped with any size motor may be operated only at “a speed not greater than 5 mph” on artificial lakes that are under the custody of the Department of Natural Resources and are more than 100 acres in size. Lakes included in the regulation are: 

Lake County (Cty) Ahquabi Warren Anita Cass Badger Creek Madison Big Creek Polk Brushy Creek Webster Darling Washington Geode Henry Green Valley* Union Hawthorn Mahaska Icaria* Adams Little River Decatur Lost Grove Scott Miami Monroe Lake County (Cty) Pleasant Creek Linn Prairie Rose Shelby Rock Creek Jasper Sugema Van Buren Swan Carroll Three Mile* Union Twelve Mile Union Union Grove Tama Viking Montgomery Volga Fayette Wapello Davis West Clarke  

*Special regulations exist.

On artificial lakes less than 100 acres in size, only a powerboat equipped with one or more outboard battery-operated electric trolling motors is allowed. There is no motor restriction on natural lakes or federal reservoirs. Other lakes managed by counties and municipalities also have regulations. Always check local regulations. Please note that:

• On Lake Macbride, Johnson County, a boat with a motor exceeding 10 horsepower may be used from the day after Labor Day to the Thursday prior to Memorial Day weekend inclusively and operated at “a speed not greater than 5 mph.”
• Only motors of 100 horsepower or less may be used on Loch Ayr, Ringgold County. Motors of any horsepower operated at “a speed not greater than 5 mph” only are allowed on the following lakes:

Lake County Beaver Lake Dallas Beeds Lake Franklin Black Hawk Pit Sac Crawford Creek Lake Ida Deer Creek Lake Plymouth Fogle Lake Ringgold George Wyth Lake Black Hawk Lake County Lake Iowa Iowa Lake of Three Fires Taylor Meadow Lake Adair Otter Creek Lake Tama Silver Lake Delaware Thayer Lake Union Williamson Pond Lucas  

For additional Information contact:
Wallace State office Building
502 E 9^th St
De Moines, IA 50319