OPERATING PERSONAL WATERCRAFT AND OTHER MOTORBOATS.

86B.303 OPERATING PERSONAL WATERCRAFT AND OTHER MOTORBOATS. § Subdivision 1.Adult operators. An adult operator may not operate a motorboat, including a personal watercraft, unless: (1) the adult operator possesses a valid watercraft operator's permit; (2) the adult operator is an exempt operator; or (3) an accompanying operator is in the motorboat. § Subd. 2.Young operators. (a) A young operator may not operate a personal watercraft or any motorboat powered by a motor with a factory rating of more than 75 horsepower. (b) A young operator may operate a motorboat that is not a personal watercraft and that is powered by a motor with a factory rating of less than 75 horsepower if an accompanying operator is in the motorboat. § Subd. 3.Accompanying operators. For purposes of this section and section 169A.20, an accompanying operator, as well as the actual operator, is operating and is in physical control of a motorboat. § Subd. 4.Owners may not allow unlawful use. An owner or other person in lawful control of a motorboat may not allow the motorboat to be operated contrary to this section. § Subd. 5.Exception for low-powered motorboats. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, a person of any age may operate a motorboat that is not a personal watercraft that is powered by a motor with a factory rating of 25 horsepower or less without possessing a valid watercraft operator's permit and without an accompanying operator in the motorboat. History: 2023 c 60 art 4 s 25