Navigating Utah’s Waterways: A Comprehensive Guide to Boating Laws and Liability
Utah’s stunning aquatic landscapes, from the turquoise depths of Bear Lake to the red-rock canyons of Lake Powell, offer some of the most unique boating experiences in the country. However, the state’s high-altitude lakes and rushing rivers present unique challenges that are reflected in the Utah State Boating Act (Utah Code Title 73, Chapter 18).
Whether you are navigating a motorboat, a personal watercraft (PWC), or a non-motorized vessel, staying compliant is about more than avoiding fines—it is about ensuring the safety of everyone on the water. This comprehensive guide details the essential laws, safety requirements, and liability rules you must know as of 2026.
1. Registration and Titling Requirements
In Utah, the law is clear: if it has a motor, it must be registered. This applies to all motorboats and sailboats operating on Utah waters.
Mandatory Numbering
Every motorized vessel must be registered and display its assigned number on the forward half of the hull. The numbers must be:
At least 3 inches high in block characters.
In a color that contrasts sharply with the hull.
Clearly visible from both sides.
Registration Certificate and Decals
You must carry the original Certificate of Registration on board whenever the boat is in operation. Decals must be placed within 3 inches of the registration number. For visitors, Utah recognizes out-of-state registrations for up to 60 dayswithin a calendar year.
Titling
If your boat was manufactured in 1985 or later, it must be titled in Utah. Boats built before 1985 or those with motors less than 25 horsepower are generally exempt from titling requirements but still require registration.
2. Safety Equipment: Beyond the Basics
Utah’s safety equipment laws are designed to mitigate the risks of drowning and mechanical failure.
Life Jackets (Personal Flotation Devices)
Utah law (R651-215) is strictly enforced regarding life jackets:
Availability: One USCG-approved wearable life jacket must be on board for every person. They must be "readily accessible," not locked in storage or still in original packaging.
The 12-and-Under Rule: Children 12 years of age and younger must wear a properly fitted life jacket at all times when a vessel is underway.
Towing and PWC: Anyone riding a PWC or being towed (skiing, tubing, wakeboarding) must wear a life jacket.Inflatable life jackets are prohibited for these activities.
Throwable Devices: Vessels 16 feet to 39 feet must carry at least one Type IV throwable device (ring buoy or cushion). Vessels 40 feet and longer must carry at least two.
Fire Extinguishers and Ventilation
All motorboats must carry a marine-approved fire extinguisher. Furthermore, gasoline-powered boats with enclosed engines must have an efficient ventilation system to remove explosive fumes—a critical rule for Utah’s hot summer months when fuel vapors expand quickly.
3. The "150-Foot Rule" and Operational Safety
One of Utah’s most important safety statutes is the 150-foot rule, which is designed to prevent collisions and injuries from wakes.
Wakeless Speed Requirements
You must operate at a wakeless speed (the slowest speed at which you can still steer the boat) whenever you are within 150 feet of:
Another vessel.
A person in the water or a water skier.
A shore angler or a swimming area.
A dock or a launch ramp.
Passenger Seating Laws
It is illegal to operate a boat above wakeless speed while passengers are sitting on the bow decking, gunwales, seatbacks, or motor covers. Falling overboard from these positions often leads to propeller-strike injuries, which are frequently fatal.
4. Personal Watercraft (PWC) and Youth Operators
Utah has specific age and education requirements to ensure young operators are prepared for the responsibility of handling a vessel.
Under 12 Years: May not operate a PWC under any circumstances.
12 to 17 Years: Must complete a Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation-approved boating education course and carry their certificate on board. They must also be under the direct supervision of a responsible person at least 18 years old.
PWC Operating Hours: PWC operation is strictly prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
5. Towing Laws: Observers and Flags
Utah is a premier destination for watersports, which has led to specific regulations for towing activities.
The Observer Rule: In addition to the operator, there must be an observer at least 8 years old on board to monitor the person being towed.
The Skier-Down Flag: When a person is in the water (either preparing to be towed or after a fall), the observer must display a 12" x 12" orange flag. This alerts other boaters to the presence of a person in the water.
Night Prohibitions: Towing is only allowed between sunrise and sunset.
6. Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Utah has some of the strictest alcohol-related laws in the nation. In Utah, there isn't a separate BUI statute; instead, the state applies its DUI laws directly to the water.
The .05% Standard
As of 2026, the legal limit for Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) in Utah is .05%—the lowest in the United States.
Implied Consent: Operating a motorboat in Utah means you have given "implied consent" to field sobriety tests and chemical breath/blood tests.
Penalties: A BUI conviction carries the same weight as a DUI. Penalties include jail time, heavy fines, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and the potential impoundment of your boat, trailer, and tow vehicle.
7. Mandatory Insurance Requirements
Unlike many other states, Utah requires owners of motorboats and PWCs to carry liability insurance.
Minimum Coverage Limits:
$25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person.
$50,000 for bodily injury or death of two or more people.
$15,000 for property damage.
Alternatively, a $65,000 combined minimum per accident.
Operating without insurance can result in the revocation of your vessel’s registration for up to one year.
8. Accident Reporting and Liability
If you are involved in a boating accident in Utah, you have a legal obligation to stop, render aid, and report the incident.
When to Report
You must notify a state park ranger or law enforcement officer immediately if:
A person dies or disappears.
A person is injured and requires medical treatment beyond first aid.
Property damage exceeds $2,000.
A formal Owner/Operator Boating Accident Report must be submitted to the Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation within 10 days.
Comparative Negligence in Utah
Utah follows a modified comparative negligence system. If you are injured in an accident but were found to be 20% at fault (for example, by violating the 150-foot rule), your total compensation will be reduced by 20%. However, if you are found to be 50% or more at fault, you are legally barred from recovering any damages from the other party.
9. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS)
To protect Utah’s ecosystems from Quagga and Zebra mussels, the state requires all boaters to complete an AIS Awareness Course annually. After visiting certain infested waters, such as Lake Powell, you are legally required to have your boat professionally decontaminated or undergo a mandatory dry time before entering another body of water.
Conclusion
Boating in Utah is a privilege that comes with the responsibility of knowing the law. From the .05% BAC limit to the specific requirements for towing observers, Utah’s laws are designed to manage the high volume of recreation on its limited but precious waterways. If you find yourself involved in a collision, the nuances of these laws—and how they are applied in court—will be the most significant factor in your recovery.
At Water Accident Lawyers, litigating serious injury and death claims as a result of boating accidents, cruise ship accidents and jet ski accidents is all we do. We have decades of experience handling these claims and work with local co-counsel on a case by case basis as necessary. We are always available on short notice for a free consultation. Our results speak for themselves. Put our experience to work for you.
