2010 Minnesota Statutes

86B.301 WATERCRAFT LICENSES REQUIRED.

Subdivision 1.Requirement.

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.

Subd. 2.Exemptions.

A watercraft license is not required for:

(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, and 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;

(2) a watercraft from a country other than the United States that 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;

(3) a watercraft owned by the United States, an Indian tribal government, a state, or a political subdivision of a state, except watercraft used for recreational purposes;

(4) a ship's lifeboat;

(5) a watercraft that has been issued a valid marine document by the United States government;

(6) a duck boat during duck hunting season;

(7) a rice boat during the harvest season;

(8) a seaplane; and

(9) a nonmotorized watercraft nine feet in length or less.

[See Note.]

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.

History:

1990 c 391 art 9 s 12; 2010 c 361 art 4 s 38

NOTE: The amendment to subdivision 2 by Laws 2010, chapter 361, article 4, section 38, is effective the day following a notice published in the State Register by the commissioner of natural resources that the change in clause (3) has been approved by the United States Coast Guard pursuant to Code of Federal Regulations, title 33, section 174.7. Laws 2010, chapter 361, article 4, section 38, the effective date.