Many recreational boaters in New Mexico are required by law to complete a boating safety course and carry a boater education card. Everyone is eligible and encouraged to take a boating safety course.
New Mexico Boating laws and Boaters education class requirements
You are required to have a boater education card if you meet the following criteria:
- You operate a vessel propelled by a motor (gasoline and/or electric).
- You operate a sailboat.
You are exempt if you meet the following criteria:
- You were born before January 1, 1989.
- You are not a New Mexico resident and hold a valid boater education card from another state.
- You are renting a boat and have received safety instructions and have completed a dockside safety checklist provided by the rental agent.
- You operate a government vessel exempt from state registration.
You have a 30-day or 45-day exemption if you meet the following criteria:
- You have recently purchased your boat and can show the bill of sale or boat registration that documents the date of purchase. After 30 days you must have a boater education card.
- You have moved to New Mexico from another state and can show a valid boater education card from another state. After 45 days you must have a New Mexico boater education card.
Life Jackets and Personal Flotation
Most boaters know they are required to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for every person on their boat. State Parks recommends that all boaters and passengers always wear a life jacket while boating. Accidents on the water can happen much too fast to put on a life jacket. The major cause of all boating related deaths is drowning—and most drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket.
The good news is that today’s life jackets are much more comfortable, lightweight, and stylish than the bulky orange style most boaters know. Life jackets that use inflatable technologies are cool and comfortable. They may resemble a pair of suspenders or a belt pack. Many inflate automatically when immersed in water.
- All vessels must have at least one USCG-approved wearable life jacket for each person on board.
- All vessels (except for personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rubber rafts) must have one USCG-approved throwable personal flotation device on board.
- Every person on board a personal watercraft must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
- Every person on board a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or rubber raft must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
- Every person using a wind sail board, inner tube, air mattress, float tube, or other inflatable device must wear a USCG-approved life jacket or flotation assist device.
- Every person boating on a river or in a boat race must wear a USCG-approved life jacket.
- Children under the age of 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway unless the child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
All Life Jackets Must Be:
- In good and serviceable condition, which means no tears, rips, or broken straps or snaps,
- Readily accessible, which means you can put the life jacket on quickly in an emergency, and
- Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size.
Make Sure It Fits – Try It on
You don’t want your life jacket too large or too small. A snug fit is a proper fit. Remember, life jackets for adults do not work for children.
- Make sure the life jacket is properly fastened.
- All straps, buckles or zippers are secure.
- Hold your arms straight up over your head.
- Ask a friend to grasp the tops of the arm openings and gently pull up.
Double check that your life jacket is approved for your favorite water activities. Read the label! Some life jackets are NOT approved for:
- Water skiing or tubing
- Personal watercraft or wakeboarding
- White water paddling
Basic Regulations
- All motorized and sail-powered vessels 10 feet or longer in length require a title. All motorized vessels of any length must be registered. Title and registration must be obtained from the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division
- The vessel registration number must be affixed permanently to both sides of the vessel’s bow with block letters that measure 3 inches in height and are clearly visible. A valid registration decal must be placed on the port side 6 inches behind (aft) the registration number.
- Proof of boater education must be carried by all operators born on or after January 1, 1989.
- All persons in canoes, kayaks or rafts must wear a personal flotation device at all times.
- Children 12 years and younger, must wear a personal flotation device while the vessel is underway.
- Vessels while operating must carry: a personal floatation device of good condition for each person on board; one USCG approved throwable device; oar/paddle, bailing bucket and stout rope at least one boat length; whistle/horn, fire extinguisher and navigation lights if operating at night. Vessels may be inspected for required equipment.
- Boating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is prohibited and strictly enforced.
- Wear your personal flotation device! The majority of anglers who drown were not.
- Use caution when a red flag is displayed above a stopped boat! It indicates a water skier is down in that area.
- Clean, drain and dry your boat and gear to stop aquatic invasive species
Boating Regulations and Law Enforcement
New Mexico State Parks rangers, New Mexico sheriffs, and New Mexico State Police officers have full authority to enforce New Mexico’s boating laws and regulations. Some waters have additional equipment and operational restrictions. Before boating on a particular water, check with the local authorities for additional regulations.
Boating Checklist below:
Boating Equipment Requirements – Boating Reference Check list is below
Alcohol and Drugs
New Mexico law prohibits anyone from operating under the influence of alcohol or any drug or other controlled substance. It is illegal to operate with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher.
Navigating on New Mexico Waters
Safe navigation is the responsibility of all boaters. When a person operating a vessel meets, overtakes, or crosses another vessel’s course, the operator shall take the appropriate action.
- Meeting head-on: both vessels shall turn to starboard (right).
- Overtaking: the vessel that is overtaking another vessel should keep clear of the vessel being overtaken.
- Crossing paths: the vessel approaching from the left shall give way by altering course, slowing down, stopping, or reversing.
- Power operated vessels: a power operated vessel shall yield the right-of-way to a non-powered vessel.
- Vessel departure/arrival: a vessel leaving a pier or dock has the right-of-way over a vessel approaching a dock.
- Distance: vessels shall keep 150 feet away from swimmers, water skiers, fishermen, diver flags, and others not participating in the same activity.
Tubing, Waterskiing and Wakeboarding
Every person who is towed behind a vessel on a tube, water skis, a wakeboard, or a similar object must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device approved for the activity. New Mexico law states that the following dangerous practices are illegal:
- Towing a person between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise.
- Towing a person within 150 feet of public docks, mooring lines, launch ramps, boats, anglers, swimmers, or any person not also doing the same activity.
- Towing a person so that he or she becomes airborne (except on a parasail).
- Towing a person in a manner that would cause the person or object being towed to collide with any object or person.
In addition to carrying all required safety equipment, a motorboat operator who tows anyone behind his or her vessel must also have on board:
A skier-down flag that is displayed in all directions when the person is in the water.
One of the following
- a wide-angle rear-view mirror that gives the motorboat operator an unobstructed view of the person or object being towed
- an observer in addition to the operator
In addition to carrying all required safety equipment, a personal watercraft operator who tows anyone behind his or her vessel must also have on board:
- A skier-down flag that is displayed in all directions when the person is in the water.
- An observer on board in addition to the operator.
- Manufacturer-approved seating for the operator, observer, and each person being towed.
Anchoring and Mooring
It is illegal to:
- Anchor a vessel within 150 feet of a marina, boat ramp or courtesy dock.
- Attach a vessel to a buoy (except a mooring buoy).
- Attach a vessel to a courtesy dock for longer than 10 minutes.
- Allow an anchored or moored vessel to drift or damage property.
Prevent Pollution
Discharging or depositing liquid or solid waste into state waters is illegal. This includes oil and gray water. Polluters may be held civilly liable for cleanup costs and may be fined thousands of dollars.
Prohibited Operations
New Mexico law states that the following dangerous operating practices are illegal:
- Reckless or negligent operation.
- Overloading a vessel.
- Bow riding.
- Teak surfing (“platform dragging”).
- Sitting on a seat back while the vessel is underway.
- Allowing your legs to hang overboard at any time.
- Allowing a child younger than 13 to operate a vessel without onboard adult supervision.
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
“Personal watercraft” (PWC) means a class A motorboat less than 16 feet, designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel rather than the operator sitting or standing inside the vessel. Examples include Jet Ski, Sea-Doo, WaveRunner and similar devices.
For your personal watercraft (PWC) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.
Legally Required Equipment for your Personal Watercraft
- Certificate of Number (registration card) on board and available for inspection. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Boater Education Card on board. 18.17.4 NMAC
- Registration Numbers on each side of the motorboat’s forward half. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. (All persons on a PWC must wear a life jacket.) 18.17.2 NMAC
- Fire Extinguisher (Type B-I) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, if the vessel has an inboard engine, closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored, or permanently installed fuel tanks. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Rope of at least equal length to the vessel. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Bailing Bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon or hand-operated Bilge Pump. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Sound Producing Device capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one-half mile, such as a horn or whistle. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Ventilation System if carrying or using any flammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Backfire Flame Arrestor if vessel has an inboard motor. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Engine Cut-off Switch Lanyard, attached to the operator, operator’s clothing, or operator’s PFD, if equipped. Section 66-12-11 NMSA 1978
Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:
- Do not exceed the capacity of the boat.
- Properly working lights are required to be displayed between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
- No person under the age of 13 may operate a motorboat unless under an adult’s onboard supervision. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Towing can only be legally done on a PWC rated for a minimum capacity of three people and an observer must be on board. 18.17.2 NMAC
- On a three-person PWC, only one person at a time may be towed (three people = operator, observer and person being towed).
- Towing more than one person on a PWC will exceed the capacity of a three-person PWC.
- A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag) is required to be displayed when a person or people being towed are in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square. 18.17.2 NMAC
Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.
Some boating waters have local regulations more restrictive than state law. Contact each boating water for additional regulations before you boat.
All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!
Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Paddlesports Requirements
New Mexico offers a range of paddlesports opportunities, from adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting to mellow river floats. New Mexico’s small mountain lakes are popular with paddlers all summer long. In fall the larger reservoirs become quieter, calmer, and less crowded.
Some canoeists and kayakers find paddling is an excellent way to fish or view wildlife. Others enjoy camping with their boats. And some have even been known to enjoy the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from the Rio Grande.
New Mexico’s lakes and rivers require different skills, preparation, and safety equipment for paddlers. We recommend you take courses to learn the laws, emergency procedures, navigation rules, and paddling techniques—all of which will enhance your paddling experience.
Before You Go
Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, inner tubes, and any other watercraft capable of being used for transportation on the water are subject to state boating laws and regulations. You are urged to boat responsibly to prevent accidents, minimize impacts, and avoid conflicts with other boaters. The following guidelines will help you prepare before you head out on your paddling adventure.
Get Educated
Know the laws and keep yourself and others safe. Take a course to increase your knowledge of paddle sports safety, emergency procedures, and navigational rules. You can join workshops offered at local swimming pools and parks departments, community colleges, and military recreation centers. Group outings are organized by the American Canoe Association, the Adobe Whitewater Club of New Mexico, and various internet meetup groups. Many commercial outfitters and free online courses are also available.
Carry Essential Gear
Carry the essentials for safety, emergency communications, and comfort. At a minimum, state law requires you to carry and wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, a paddle or oar, and a sound-producing device such as a whistle or horn—even on a paddleboard.
In addition to items required by law, you should wear sun protection and bring a headlamp with extra batteries, first aid kit, knife, dry bag, hydrating fluids, and a throw rope. Remember that many lakes and rivers are in remote areas where cell phones do not always work. Other essentials depend on your vessel, the lake or river, and the length of trip and should be researched in advance.
Check and Understand the Weather
Check the weather frequently before and during your trip, keeping an eye on current conditions. Check river flows and lake conditions, weather warnings, and forecasts. It is important to understand how these elements affect your ability to operate your vessel. Seek information from locals in the know, heed warnings, and avoid unsafe areas. Anticipate changes and go to shore when rough weather threatens.
Protect Against Cold Weather Shock
Although New Mexico is a desert state, the water can be quite cold. Many lakes are fed by melting snow. Several rivers are located downstream of large dams that release cold water from deep below the lake’s surface.
Always dress for the temperature of the water—even on a hot day. The biggest risk after an accidental fall overboard is not hypothermia but cold-water shock. Sudden immersion in cold water can trigger the “gasp” reflex. When a person’s head is underwater, the “gasp” reflex causes water to enter the lungs. Cold water shock is a major contributor to the death of New Mexico boaters who entered the water unprepared. Paddlecraft have a higher risk of capsizing and swamping. Be prepared and always wear a life jacket—it is the law!
Be Visible to Other Boaters
Paddlecraft sit low on the water, making them difficult for other boaters to see. Paddle to be seen: Wear bright neon and contrasting colors, put highly reflective tape on paddles, use a flagpole, and carry a bright light at night.
File a Float Plan
Study your intended route before you head out and let someone know your plans. Include names of everyone going, a description of your vessel, put-in and take-out locations and waypoints along with the approximate time the group should arrive at each, what time you are returning, and what to do if you do not return when expected. Estimate travel time generously. Make this a routine every time you go out on the water.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs
Situational awareness is key to safety on the water. That means always staying alert. Operating any vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including marijuana, is not only unsafe—it’s illegal. New Mexico’s Boating Under the Influence (BUI) law applies to all vessels including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, rowboats, and inflatable fishing rafts.
Watch for River Hazards
A paddle trip downriver can include these river hazards.
Low-head dams: These structures are difficult to see and can trap river paddlers. Consult a map of the river before your trip and know where dams are located. Always carry your craft around them. Currents above low-head dams can sweep vessels over the dam. Currents below can suck vessels back toward the face of the dam. The recirculating currents and turbulent waters can swamp vessels and drown boaters. Low-head dams on the Rio Grande, Pecos River, San Juan River, and Animas River divert water into canals. The canals deliver drinking water to major cities and irrigation water to farms.
Rapids: When approaching rapids, go ashore well upstream and check them out before continuing. If you see dangerous conditions, carry your craft around them. Properly designed and fitted helmets should be worn when running rapids. When water levels are too low or too high, rapids can become dangerous or impossible to navigate.
Strainers: These river obstructions allow water to pass through but stop and hold boats and people. Strainers can include fallen trees, overhanging branches, debris piles, and submerged fences. They can flip your boat and pin you underwater against the object. Even when then current is slow, give strainers as much room as possible.
Label Your Paddlecraft
If you own paddlecraft, keep your contact information in your boat, on a sticker, or in some other way. When unoccupied paddlecraft are found adrift, it’s assumed someone is in danger and a search is launched. Calling the owner can help prevent unnecessary searches and free up resources. Or the call could help rescuers gather information that helps with the search. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary provides free identification stickers at its boating safety classes and at other boating events.
On the Water
- Paddle with a group. Go out with at least three people and stay close enough for visual or verbal contact. If a paddler gets injured, one person can stay with him or her while the other leaves to get help.
- Stay near the shore when there’s a lot of boat traffic. Approaching wakes head on will help keep water out of your craft and avoid capsizing.
- Expect the unexpected—you may capsize or fall out of the boat. If you fall in a river, keep your feet off the bottom and pointed downstream to avoid getting snagged or stuck.
- Scan ahead and look for hazards like overhanging branches and trees, rocks, low bridges, or rapids.
- When in doubt, get out and scout! Don’t take a chance of paddling rapids or currents you are not used to. Make sure to check for rocks that are dangerously close to the surface.
- Know how to rescue yourself and others in the event of a capsize. Consider carrying a throw bag, rescue kit, and a towing system.
- Self-care is important so you stay alert. Know your limits, stay hydrated, etc.
Motorboat or Sailboat 16 Feet–Less Than 26 Feet (Class 1)
“Motorboat” means any vessel propelled by machinery, whether or not machinery is the principal source of propulsion, but does not include a vessel that has a valid marine document issued by the bureau of customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto.
“Sailboat” means any vessel propelled or designed to be propelled by sail and that does not have a valid document issued by a federal agency, but does not include a sailboard or windsurf board.
For your motorboat or sailboat 16 feet–less than 26 feet (class 1) here is the list of legally required equipment and additional boating safety information.
Legally Required Equipment:
- Certificate of Number (registration card) on board and available for inspection. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Boater Education Card on board. 18.17.4 NMAC
- Registration Numbers on each side of the motorboat’s forward half. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each person on board, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Throwable Personal Flotation Device, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Fire Extinguisher (Type B-I) approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, if the vessel has an inboard engine, closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials may be stored, or permanently installed fuel tanks. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Rope of at least equal length to the vessel. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Paddle or Oar. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Bailing Bucket with a capacity of at least one gallon, or hand-operated Bilge Pump. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Sound Producing Device capable of producing a two-second blast that is audible for at least one-half mile, such as a horn or whistle. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Ventilation System, if carrying or using any flammable or toxic fluid in any enclosure for any purpose. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978
- Backfire Flame Arrestor if vessel has an inboard motor. 18.17.2 NMAC
Additional Boating Safety Information and Boating Laws:
- Do not exceed the capacity of the boat. (Count the people being towed as well as the people in the boat.)
- Properly working lights are required to be displayed between one half-hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Section 66-12-7 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
- Children under the age of 13 may not operate a motorboat except when under an adult’s onboard supervision. 18.17.2 NMAC
- Life jackets must be worn by:
- children under the age of 13 while underway except when below deck or in an enclosed cabin,
- every person towed behind a vessel, and
- persons boating on a river. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978 and 18.17.2 NMAC
- Towing can be legally done only if:
- the vessel is equipped with a device capable of letting the operator have an unobstructed view of the person or object being towed, or
- an observer is on board in addition to the operator. Section 66-12-14 NMSA 1978
- A red or orange flag (commonly referred to as skier down flag) is required to be displayed when a person or people being towed are in the water. The flag must be at least one foot square. 18.17.2 NMAC
Life jackets must be approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, be in good condition, be properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible.
All boat accidents that involve a missing person, injury beyond first aid, and/or damage greater than $100 must be reported to the local law enforcement agency and New Mexico State Parks—no exceptions!
Operators are subject to arrest for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Waters with Special Restrictions
Waters restricted to boats without motors include: Alto Lake, Bernardo Waterfowl Area, Jackson Lake, La Joya Waterfowl Area, McGaffey Lake, San Gregorio Lake and Shuree Ponds.
Waters restricted to boats with oars or electric motors include: Bear Canyon Lake, Bill Evans Lake, Conoco Lake, Fenton Lake, Green Meadow Lake, Grindstone Lake, Hopewell Lake, Lake Maloya, Lake Roberts, Morphy Lake, Quemado Lake, Snow Lake and Tucumcari Wildlife Area.
Waters where no boats or flotation devices are allowed include: Bonito Lake, Laguna del Campo, Monastery Lake, Oasis State Park, Red River Hatchery Pond, Tingley Beach and Trees Lake.
Waters restricted during fishing season to boats at trolling speeds only include: Charette Lakes, Cochiti Lake, Clayton Lake, Heron Lake, Maxwell Lakes 13 & 14, and Springer Lake when water level is less than 1,000 acre feet.
Boating Rules
New Mexico Department of Game and Fish has adopted new rules to combat the spread of zebra mussels, quagga mussels and other AIS.
- Mandatory watercraft inspection and, if necessary, decontamination of out-of-state registered watercraft or watercraft re-entering New Mexico
- Mandatory watercraft inspection required any time an inspection station is set up and in operation
- Fourteen (14) day advanced notification of intent to transport watercraft 26 ft. or longer into New Mexico
- All watercraft are required to “pull the plug” and drain watercraft when transporting in New Mexico
- Implementation of a voluntary watercraft seal program to expedite boater access to a waterbody with limited need for inspection
NEW MEXICO DEPARTMENT OF GAME & FISH
- 1 Wildlife Way, Santa Fe, NM 87507
- Phone: (505) 476-8000 | Toll-free (888) 248-6866