Michigan’s Thumb is well known for its beautiful waterways, providing Port Huron area residents and visitors with many fun recreational opportunities. From sitting on the beach admiring sunsets to taking a little kayak or extravagant yacht out on the water, Michiganders love their lakes, rivers, and streams. Whether you’re on Lake Huron or one of the smaller lakes anywhere in the state, however, you should be aware of Michigan boating laws before heading out this summer.
General Michigan Boating Laws You Should Know
Following are some of the most basic Michigan boating laws, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and various other sources.
1. When it comes to drinking and driving, similar rules apply for both boats and vehicles. Anyone with a blood-alcohol level of .08 or higher is considered intoxicated in Michigan and cannot drive a boat. The same rule does not apply to boat passengers.
2. Following are some general guidelines regarding personal flotation devices, usually life jackets.
- Children ages 6 and younger must wear a personal flotation device when riding on a boat.
- Each person using a personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski must wear a Type 1, II, or III PFD. A Type I PFD is intended for cruising, racing, offshore fishing, or stormy conditions. A Type II device is for serious inland or near shore cruising. Type III provides less security, but is more comfortable in situations where others are present and help is easily available if needed.
- Individuals under the age of 12 can operate a boat with no more than 6 horsepower. They can operate a boat of between 6 and 35 hp if they have a boating safety certificate and are supervised by someone 16 or older.
- Children younger than 14 cannot operate a personal watercraft, and teens ages 14 and 15 can operate a personal watercraft if they are supervised by an adult.
- Individuals born on or after July 1, 1996, may operate a boat if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board.
3. In addition to PFDs, you should have a fire extinguisher; engine cut-off switch; backfire flame arrestor; ventilation system; muffler; horn, bell, or whistle; daytime and nighttime visual distress signals; and navigation lights while you are on a boat. You also should carry a first aid kit. Additional requirements may apply, so check local regulations.
4. You can be ticketed for speeding. The speed limit varies on different bodies of water, in certain areas of the water, and if other boaters are present. Review the speed limit laws that apply to the body of water you intend to use.
Contact Us if You Need a Bail Bond
These are only the most basic Michigan boating laws, but many more general and specific laws are in place regarding everything from fueling practices to defective boating equipment.
If you have been arrested in relation to the violation of any Michigan boating laws, special circumstances may apply, especially when it comes to jurisdiction. Contact one of our Port Huron bail bond agents for more information about your particular situation. Visit our Detroit Bail Bonds in Port Huron website or call (855) 313-BAIL.
