Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Enforcement

North Dakota Game and Fish Department game wardens and all other law enforcement officers enforce the boating laws of North Dakota. U.S. Coast Guard officers also patrol and have enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.

• Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check that you are complying with state and federal laws.
• It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop.
• It is illegal to continue to use or refuse to repair a boat after a law enforcement officer orders you to correct an especially hazardous condition.

North Dakota Game and Fish Department game wardens and other law enforcement officers enforce the boating laws of North Dakota.