Arizona Boating Laws

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The best way to spend a warm and sunny Arizona weekend is by taking the boat out on the water. It’s fun for the whole family but, as kids get older, they may want to go with just their friends and skip spending a weekend with their parents. But, how old does someone need to be to drive a boat by themselves?

Per Arizona law, no one under the age of 12 may operate a motorized vessel (with over 8 horsepower) and California law states that no one under the age of 16 may operate a motorized vessel unless the person’s parent or legal guardian or at least one person who is 18 years or older is present on the watercraft, except in case of an emergency.

In Arizona, there are many governing bodies who make boating laws and even more agencies patrolling the waterways to enforce them. Boaters need to be aware of boating laws in other States, too, since a few popular Arizona waterways border other States. Being pulled over and having to talk to law enforcement tends to ruin all the fun, not to mention whatever penalties are incurred, so here is what every boater needs to know about Arizona boating laws, before going out on the water.

In Arizona, all waterways are governed by 3 sets of rules and regulations:

Title 5 of the Arizona Revised Statutes
Arizona Game & Fish (AZGFD) Commission Rules
U.S. Coast Guard Federal Regulations

Many agencies patrol Arizona waterways. And, when boating across state lines in places like Lake Havasu or the Colorado River, there are different state laws to follow. For example, in California, a Boater Education Card is required to operate a boat, but it is not required in Arizona.

Arizona boating laws are enforced by AZGFD, county deputy sheriffs, park rangers, municipal officers, and any other State commissioned law enforcement officer. Citations may be issued with a fine and/or the boat may be ordered to return to shore to correct the violation. These agencies are also allowed to set up sober checkpoints in Arizona waterways.

Common Arizona Boating Law Violations

The Arizona Game and Fish Department provides a Boater’s Guide (updated 2020) and Lake Havasu City provides a list of the most commonly violated Arizona boating laws from all governing bodies. Combined, we’ve created a list of Arizona boating laws that boaters get dinged for most often.

Most Common Violations in Arizona

No one under the age of 12 (age 16 in California) may operate a watercraft except in the case of an emergency, in which case a parent/ legal guardian, or at least one person 18 years old or older, must be present on the watercraft
Personal Floatation Devices (PFD) aka Lifejackets, are required for every person on board and children under 12, and those wakesurfing or being towed behind the vessel, must wear it
There must be a throwable PFD onboard
Every vessel must have a fire extinguisher
No person shall operate a watercraft in a careless, reckless, or negligent manner
Bow-riding, sitting at the front of the boat with feet in the water, or sitting/standing on the swim step while the boat is underway, is illegal
No person shall operate a watercraft with anyone or anything in or on the bow obstructing the view of the operator
If a boater drives too fast and too close to another boat, or passes another boat, and the wake swamps another boat, they are responsible for damages to the other boat
No watercraft shall be loaded and operated with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity or the limitations on the manufacturer's load capacity plate
The operator of a motorized watercraft shall yield right-of-way to any vessel not under power, unless such non-powered watercraft is overtaking a motorized vessel
Always follow navigation laws and pass port-side (left side) when approaching another boat head-on, follow counterclockwise traffic on the waterways, and when leaving the shoreline, yield right-of-way to watercraft approaching the shoreline area
Avoid excessive speed in a no-wake zone
Avoid operating a watercraft while impaired by alcohol or drugs to avoid jail time, hefty fines, or serious accidents
If towing a person/persons on waterskis, wakeboard, inner tube, or similar contrivance, the vessel must have at least 2 occupants in/on the vessel, an operator and an observer
Watercraft operators shall not tow a person/persons on waterskis, wakeboard, inner tube, or similar contrivance from sunset to sunrise
Boating registration needs to be up-to-date and valid
No person shall unreasonably or unnecessarily interfere with other watercraft, with the free and proper use of the waterways of the state, or with areas used for launching.
Anchoring or swimming in heavily-traveled channels or launching areas shall constitute such interference
No person shall dump, deposit, place, throw or leave refuse, rubbish, debris, filthy or odoriferous objects, substances or other trash on any waterways or the shorelines
Remove plug, clean plants and mud from boat and equipment, and if boating for 6 consecutive days or more, decontaminate and desiccate the vessel to avoid spreading aquatic invasive species (AIS)
If involved in a collision, accident, or other casualty, operators of vessels must immediately stop the vessel at the scene of the accident, or as close to the scene as possible (unless doing so will cause serious danger to the operator's own vessel or persons aboard), render assistance, and remain at the scene of the accident to provide their name, address, and identification of the vessel to any person injured and to the owners of any property damaged. If death or injury results from a watercraft collision or accident, a written report must be submitted within 48 hours

Boater Education Card

A Boater Education Card is a certificate, not a boating license, and serves as proof that an individual has completed a boater safety course that has been approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. These courses are usually 100% online, inexpensive, and teach boaters how to safely and legally operate a vessel. Plus, it helps lower the cost of boating insurance.

In Arizona, a Boater Education Card is not required to operate a motorized vessel, but other States, like California, do require it. Getting the Card is a good idea since many Arizona waterways border other States.

Lake Powell, Lake Havasu, the Colorado River, Lake Mead, and Lake Mohave are all popular boating destinations which border other states. So when planning a boating weekend at one of these, it’s a good idea to complete the online course to avoid a fine from another state that does require it.

Final Thoughts

Getting ready for a day on the boat in Arizona is all about friends, family, food, and fun. Knowing Arizona boating laws will help decide who can take the boat out by themselves, plus help everyone stay out of trouble with law enforcement and be safe. This will make the experience better for everyone and keep run-ins with the law from ruining all the fun.

Arizona Boating Laws - Who Can Drive the Boat?

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