Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Enforcement and Penalties

The boat and water safety laws of Minnesota are enforced by Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and county sheriffs. The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Park Service also have enforcement authority on federally controlled waters. Whenever an enforcement officer contacts you, you are required to stop your boat and allow the officer to come alongside. Enforcement officers have the right to stop and board boats in order to check for compliance with federal and state laws.

• Persons who violate boat and water safety statutes are subject to arrest. Violation of a boat and water safety statute or rule is a misdemeanor, with some exceptions for repeat violations or more serious offenses.
• Juvenile boating offenders are generally directed to a juvenile court but in some cases may be referred to a regular court.

Federal Jurisdiction

In Minnesota, federal jurisdiction applies to waters such as Lake Superior, Canadian border waters, Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers, and Cass, Gull, Leech, and Winnibigoshish Lakes.

Minnesota DNR conservation officers and county sheriffs enforce Minnesota’s boating laws, as well as other regulations.