It's the Law: On the Water
In addition to the laws mentioned previously,
there are other Oklahoma regulations that apply when vessel operators are on the water.
Unlawful Operation
Reckless Operation
It is illegal to fail to exercise the care necessary to prevent the endangerment of life, limb, or property of any other person when operating a vessel or manipulating water skis, parasails, surfboards, or similar devices. Examples are:
- Boating in restricted areas without regard for other boaters or persons, posted speeds and wake restrictions, diver-down flags, etc.
- Failing to stop or yield to an authorized emergency vessel making an audible or visible signal
- Operating, or giving permission to operate, a vessel when wind warnings have been posted or other hazardous weather conditions exist that pose a risk to persons or property
Careless Operation
It is illegal to operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel in a manner that is not careful and prudent. Examples of careless operation are:
- Parking, mooring, or beaching a vessel within or at the edge of a marked swimming area
- Causing danger or damage from the wake of your vessel
Overloading or Overpowering
It is illegal to load a vessel with passengers or gear beyond the recommended capacity or to power a vessel beyond the recommended horsepower. The recommended capacity and horsepower are those shown on the capacity plate installed by the manufacturer or those recommended by the USCG.
Improper Speed or Distance
You must maintain a proper speed and distance while operating a vessel or while towing a person on water skis or any similar device. It is illegal to:
- Operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel at speeds greater than are reasonable or proper given the existing waterway traffic, persons in the water, and weather conditions.
- Exceed any posted speed limits.
- Operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake speed” or “idle speed” in a posted “no wake” zone.
- Operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel at greater than “slow, no wake speed” or “idle speed” within 150 feet of any boat ramp, a dock or pier, or an anchored or moored vessel.
- Operate a vessel on public waters at speeds greater than 10 miles per hour while within 50 feet of another vessel.
Hazardous Condition
It is illegal to operate a vessel in a condition that causes a hazard to those on board. For any of the following problems, peace officers may instruct the operator to return to mooring and remain there until the problem is fixed.
- There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire flame arrestors, or navigation lights.
- The vessel is overloaded or overpowered.
- Any other unsafe condition exists.
Riding on the Bow, Deck, Gunwale, or Seat Backs
It is illegal to allow anyone to ride where there may be a chance of falling overboard. It is unlawful to:
- Sit or ride on the gunwales or the back on any seat on a boat while underway at a speed greater than idle speed.
- Sit or ride on the covered bow or front or back deck of a boat while underway at greater than idle speed unless the boat has side walkways or walk-through access to areas that are surrounded by life rails, deck rails, bow rails, or other enclosures extending at least 24 inches above the deck.
- Extend an arm or leg over the edge of the boat above or below the railing, or stand on the covered bow of a boat traveling at greater than idle speed.
Firearms in a Vessel
It is illegal to transport a shotgun, rifle, or pistol in a vessel or fire a weapon from a vessel unless you are hunting animals or fowl in compliance with existing state and federal laws.
Those convicted of violating this law may receive a fine of up to $100 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.
A person possessing a valid concealed handgun license from Oklahoma or a reciprocal state authorized by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act is not guilty of transporting a pistol in violation of this law when a handgun is concealed upon or about their person in compliance with the provisions in the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act.
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