It's the Law: Before Going Out

Enforcement

Wisconsin conservation wardens, county sheriffs, and municipal police enforce the boating laws of Wisconsin. 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 for compliance with state and federal laws.
• It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority.
  • A vessel operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a patrol boat must reduce speed to “slow, no wake speed" and give way to the patrol boat.
  • A vessel operator must stop when requested or signaled to do so by a law enforcement officer or a patrol boat.
  • In addition to yielding and stopping for a law enforcement patrol boat when signaled to do so, it is strongly suggested that you reduce speed to "slow, no wake speed" and stay at least 100 feet from a law enforcement patrol boat with its emergency lights activated when it is contacting another boat on the water. You create a safe environment for law enforcement officers and the boat occupants they are contacting when you do so. Wisconsin law enforcement officers conducting boat patrols appreciate your cooperation in this area.

Local Regulations

Many local waterways in Wisconsin have specific equipment requirements, operational restrictions, and restrictions on certain activities in addition to those covered in this handbook. Be sure to check with the local boat patrol or municipality for additional regulations before you go boating. Also, be sure to read any notices posted at the boat ramp or dock.