It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

Personal watercraft (PWC) operators must adhere to additional legal requirements that apply specifically to the operation of PWCs on Indiana waters.

Requirements Specific to PWCs     IC 14-15-12

• Each person riding on or being towed behind a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved wearable personal flotation device. Recommended are PFDs designed to withstand the impact of hitting the water at high speed.
• PWCs must either be equipped with an ignition safety switch or have a self-circling feature in case the operator falls off. An operator of a PWC equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch must always attach the lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or PFD.
• PWCs may be operated during daylight hours only unless equipped with the appropriate lighting.
• It is illegal to operate a personal watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• You must operate a PWC in a reasonable and prudent manner. It is illegal to endanger human life, safety, or property. You may not:
  
  
  • Weave through congested traffic.*
  • Follow a vessel that is towing other individuals.*
  • Jump the wake of another vessel.*
  • Cut between a vessel and an individual being towed.*
  • Cross paths with another vessel when vision is obstructed.*
  • Steer toward an object or person in the water and turn sharply at close range.*
  • Operate while facing backwards.

* Should you be ticketed by an enforcement officer for one of these crimes, you could have points assessed against your driver’s license (140 IAC 1-4.5-10).