OF

ILLINOIS BOATING LAWS

AND
RESPONSIBILITIES

2023 Edition
Copyright © 2023 Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC and its divisions and partners, www.kalkomey.com
 OF ILLINOIS BOATING LAWS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Table of Contents
Before Going Out On the Water
Registering and Titling................... 3 Unlawful Operation ..................... 10
Where to Title/Register .................. 3 Navigation Rules .......................... 11
Hull Identification Number (HIN).. 5 Alcohol and Drugs ....................... 12
Who May Operate a Vessel............ 5 Boating Accidents......................... 12
Enforcement................................. 13
Required Equipment Diver-Down Flags ........................ 13
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)... 6 Discharge of Sewage/Waste .......... 13
Fire Extinguishers ........................... 6
Backfire Flame Arrestors................. 6 Specifically for PWC
Ventilation Systems ........................ 7 Requirements for PWC................ 14
Boat Battery.................................... 7
Mufflers and Noise Level Specifically for Skiing
Limits........................................ 7 Requirements for
Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)..... 7 Towing Skiers .......................... 15
Sound-Producing Devices .............. 7 Skier-Towing Flag......................... 15
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)....... 7
Navigation Lights........................... 8
This handbook includes references to the Illinois Compiled Statutes, Chapter 625–Boat
Registration and Safety Act. For example, 625 ILCS 45/5-16 refers to the Illinois Compiled
Statutes, Chapter 625, Act 45, Section 5-16.
For federal boating laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s boating safety website at www.uscgboating.org.

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references contained in this publication have been compiled from sources believed to be reliable, and to
represent the best current opinion on the subject. Kalkomey Enterprises, LLC is not responsible or liable
for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects or consequences to any person or property
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 Before Going Out
All operators are required to obey laws that regulate your vessel’s
registration, titling, and operation.
Registering and Titling (625 ILCS 45/3)
■ You must have an Illinois Certificate of Number
(registration), expiration decals, and Certificate of Title to
operate your vessel legally. The only exceptions are:
• Unpowered vessels, including
canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards
• Vessels owned by the federal or
state government
• Vessels properly registered in another
state and using Illinois waters for
less than 60 consecutive days
• Vessels documented with the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)
and using Illinois waters for less than 60 consecutive days
• Vessels used solely as lifeboats
• Vessels registered in other countries temporarily using
Illinois waters
• Vessels used exclusively and solely for racing purposes
■ Vessels 21 feet and under in length are not required to have
a Certificate of Title.
■ Registration is valid for three years. All certificates expire on
September 30 at the end of the three-year period.
Where to Title and Register
Watercraft registration application forms are available from
dnr.illinois.gov/boating/watercraftapplications.html.
Boaters may renew their vessel registrations:
■ By calling 1-866-867-3542
■ On the Internet at www.dnr.illinois.gov
Registration Questions?
Call the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at
1-800-382-1696 or visit www.dnr.illinois.gov.
■ The Certificate of Number (registration card) must be on
board and available for inspection by an enforcement officer
whenever the vessel is being operated.
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 4 It’s the Law!
■ The registration number and expiration decals must be
displayed as follows.
• Number must be placed on each side of the bow of the vessel.
• Number must read from left to right on one line, starting
with two capital letters—IL—followed by a space and
four digits followed by a space and two capital letters, for
example: IL 1234 AB.
• Number must be in at least three-inch-high BLOCK letters.
• Number’s color must contrast sharply with its background.
• Decals must be placed on both sides of the bow after a
space at the end of the number.
Expiration
Decal
IL 1234 AB ■ IL 1234 AB ■

Spaces should
appear here.
■ Unpowered watercraft are not required to obtain Illinois
registration numbers.
■ Larger recreational vessels owned by U.S. citizens may (at the
option of the owner) be documented by the USCG. These
vessels are required to display the expiration decal on either
side of the documented vessel name.
■ The owner of a vessel requiring registration and titling must
file a watercraft application with the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR). The application must be signed by the
owner and must be accompanied by the required documents
and appropriate fee. The required documents are as follows.
• New vessels: The original properly endorsed
Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin
• Vessels previously registered or titled in another state:
The owner’s registration certificate and/or title
• Illinois titled vessels: The owner’s Illinois title
■ Warning: Vessels purchased new or used from out-of-state
dealers, manufacturers, or lending institutions are subject to tax.
Contact the Illinois Department of Revenue at
1-800-732-8866 for instructions before submitting
an application.
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 It’s the Law! 5

Hull Identification Number (HIN) (625 ILCS 45/3-13)

The Hull Identification Number
(HIN) is a unique 12-digit number
assigned by the manufacturer to
vessels built after 1972. These ABC 67689 B6 06
numbers distinguish one vessel from Hull Serial Model
Number Year
another and are engraved in the Manufacturer’s Date of
Identification Manufacture
fiberglass or on a metal plate attached Code (MIC)
to the transom. You may not operate a vessel if the HIN has
been removed, defaced, or obliterated. You should write down
your HIN and put it in a place separate from your vessel in case
warranty problems arise or your vessel is stolen.
Who May Operate a Vessel (625 ILCS 45/5-18)
Persons born on or after January 1, 1998, may operate a
vessel powered by a motor of more than 10 horsepower (hp)
only if they have a valid Boating Safety Certificate accepted by
the DNR.
■ Persons under the age of 10 may not operate any
motorized vessel, including personal watercraft (PWC).
■ Persons at least 10 years old but less than 12 years old may
operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp, including
a PWC, only if they are accompanied by and under the
direct control of a parent, a guardian, or a person at least
18 years old designated by the parent or guardian.
■ Persons at least 12 years old but less than 18 years old may
operate a motorized vessel with more than 10 hp, including
a PWC, only if:
• They complete a boating safety course and possess a
Boating Safety Certificate accepted by the DNR or…
• They are accompanied by and under the direct control of
a parent, a guardian, or a person at least 18 years old
designated by the parent or guardian.
■ Parents, guardians, or designees born on or after January
1, 1998, must have a valid boating safety certificate to
supervise a person 10 to 17 years old who is operating a
motorized vessel with more than 10 hp.

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 Required Equipment
When preparing to go out on a vessel, the operator must check
that the legally required equipment is on board.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) (625 ILCS 45/4-1)
■ All vessels must have at least one USCG–approved wearable
personal flotation device (PFD), sometimes called life jacket,
for each person on board or being towed. All vessels 16 feet
or longer, except canoes and kayaks, also must carry one
USCG–approved throwable device.
■ No person may operate any watercraft unless an approved
and appropriately sized wearable USCG–approved PFD is
being worn by each person under the age of 13 on the deck
of a watercraft or in an open watercraft at all times in which
the watercraft is underway. However, this requirement shall
not apply to persons who are enclosed in a cabin or below
the top deck on a watercraft, on an anchored watercraft that
is a platform for swimming or diving, or aboard a charter
“passenger for hire” watercraft with a licensed captain.
■ If a person chooses to wear a PFD that is not USCG
approved (when not specifically required), a properly fitting
USCG–approved PFD must be carried on board the vessel
to meet the state and federal carriage requirements.
■ A PWC or a specialty prop-craft may not be operated unless
each person on board is wearing a USCG–approved PFD.
(Inflatable PFDs are not approved for PWC or prop-craft use.)
■ Besides being USCG approved, all PFDs must be:
• In good and serviceable condition.
• Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the
PFD on quickly in an emergency.
• Of the proper size for the intended wearer. Sizing for PFDs is
based on body weight and chest size.
• Legibly marked with the USCG approval number.
Fire Extinguishers (625 ILCS 45/4-5)
All vessels equipped with an internal combustion engine operating
on Illinois waters are required to have at least a USCG–approved fire
extinguisher on board.
Backfire Flame Arrestors (625 ILCS 45/4-6)
Because vessel engines may backfire, all powerboats (except
outboards) fueled with gasoline must have a USCG–approved
(must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards) backfire
flame arrestor on each carburetor.
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 It’s the Law! 7

Ventilation Systems (625 ILCS 45/4-7)

Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance
of a life-threatening explosion. All gasoline-powered vessels,
constructed in a way that would entrap fumes, must have at
least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove fumes.
Boat Battery (625 ILCS 45/4-10)
It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel equipped with a
stored battery unless the battery is secured against shifting. The
battery must be equipped with non-conductive terminal shields
to prevent accidental shorting.
Mufflers and Noise Level Limits (625 ILCS 45/4-3)
■ The exhaust of every internal combustion engine on any
vessel must be muffled effectively. That is, the engine’s
exhaust must be muffled or suppressed at all times so as not
to create excessive noise.
■ It is unlawful to operate a vessel that exceeds a noise level of
90 decibels when subjected to a stationary sound level test
or 75 decibels when in operation on state waters.
Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS) (625 ILCS 45/4-11)
It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel, including a PWC or
specialty prop-craft, that is equipped with an engine cut-off switch
(ECOS) unless the switch is operational and fully functional.
■ With a lanyard-type ECOS, the lanyard must be attached to
the person, clothing, or PFD of the operator.
■ With a wireless cut-off device, the wireless system must
be activated.
Sound-Producing Devices (625 ILCS 45/4-4 and 45/4-8)
■ On Illinois state waters, all motorized vessels must have a
mouth-, hand-, or power-operated whistle or other device
capable of producing a blast that is two seconds or more in
duration and audible for at least one-half mile.
■ No vessel may be equipped with a siren, except law
enforcement and emergency vessels.
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) (625 ILCS 45/4-12)
Vessels on Lake Michigan must be equipped with USCG–
approved visual distress signals (VDSs). All vessels are required
to carry night signals when operating between sunset and
sunrise. Vessels 16 feet long or longer must carry day signals also.

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 8 It’s the Law!

Navigation Lights (625 ILCS 45/4-2 and 45/4-8)

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset
and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.
Power-Driven Vessels When Underway
If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the lights as
shown in illustration 1. Remember, power-driven vessels include
sailboats operating under engine power. The required lights are:
■ Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least
two miles away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one
mile away—on a dark, clear night.
■ An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a
sternlight. These lights must be visible from a distance of at
least two miles away on a dark, clear night. The all-round
white light (or the masthead light) must be at least 3.3 feet
higher than the sidelights.
Remember... A vessel or motorboat when underway between
sunset and sunrise must have and exhibit USCG–approved
navigation lights. No vessel is authorized or permitted to
carry any lighting (not required by law) that will interfere
with another vessel’s ability to distinguish the vessel’s
navigation lighting.
Unpowered Vessels When Underway
Unpowered vessels are sailboats or vessels that are paddled,
poled, or rowed.
■ If less than 65.6 feet long, these vessels must exhibit the
lights as shown in illustration 2. The required lights are:
• Red and green sidelights visible from at least two miles
away—or if less than 39.4 feet long, at least one mile away.
• A sternlight visible from at least two miles away.
■ If less than 23.0 feet long, these vessels should:
• If practical, exhibit the same lights as required for
unpowered vessels less than 65.6 feet in length.
• If not practical, have on hand at least one lantern or
flashlight shining a white light as in illustration 3.
All Vessels When Not Underway
All vessels are required to display a white light visible for one
mile from all directions whenever they are anchored away from
a dock or moored in an area other than a designated mooring
area ©between
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2023 Kalkomey and sunrise.
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 It’s the Law! 9

1. Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet

The masthead light and

sternlight may be combined
as an all-round white
light on vessels less than
39.4 feet long. Less than 39.4 feet only

2. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet

An alternative
to the sidelights
and sternlight is a
combination red,
green, and white
light, which must
be exhibited near
the top of the
mast.

3. Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23.0 Feet

Vessel operators should never leave
shore without a flashlight. Even if you
plan to return before dark, unforeseen
developments might delay your return
past nightfall.

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 On the Water
Unlawful Operation (625 ILCS)
Illinois law states that these operating practices are illegal.
■ Careless Operation (625 ILCS 45/5-1) of a vessel is operating in
a careless manner that causes danger to any person or property,
or operating at speeds greater than that which allows the
operator to bring the vessel to a stop within an assured clear
distance ahead.
■ Reckless Operation (625 ILCS 45/5-2) of a vessel or the reckless
manipulation of water skis, a surfboard, or similar device is
operating in a manner that causes danger to the life, limb, or
property of any person. Examples are:
• Weaving your vessel through congested waterway traffic
• Jumping a wake of another vessel unreasonably close or
when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed
• Waiting until the last moment to swerve and avoid collision
• Operating a vessel in a manner that creates hazardous wave or
wake conditions while approaching or passing another boat
■ Overloading or Overpowering (625 ILCS 45/5-4 and 45/5-6) is
operating a vessel that has been loaded beyond the
recommended carrying capacity or powered beyond the
horsepower limits shown on the capacity plate installed by the
vessel manufacturer.
■ Operating in Restricted or “No Wake” Areas (625 ILCS
45/5-7 and 45/5-12) is not maintaining a proper speed and/or
distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to:
• Operate a vessel within an area that has been clearly marked as
a bathing, fishing, swimming, or restricted area.
• Operate a vessel within 150 feet of a public launching ramp
at greater than a “slow, no wake speed.”
• Exceed “slow, no wake speed” in any area marked with buoys
or signs as “No Wake.”
“Slow, No Wake Speed” means speed at which the vessel
does not produce a wake, not to exceed 5 miles per hour.
■ Riding on Bow or Gunwales (625 ILCS 45/5-21) is allowing a
passenger to ride on the decking over the bow or stern, gunwales,
or tops of seat backs of a motorized vessel unless the passenger is
within guard rails to prevent falling overboard.
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 It’s the Law! 11

■ Failure to Follow Navigation Rules (625 ILCS 45/5-13) is not

following the navigation rules (listed below).
Navigation Rules
All operators are equally responsible for taking action to avoid
collisions. There are two terms that help explain these rules.
■ Stand-on vessel should maintain its course and speed.
■ Give-way vessel must take early and substantial action to avoid
collision by stopping, slowing down, or changing course.

Power vs. Power Power vs. Sail

Meeting Head-On
Power vs. Power: Neither
vessel is the stand-on vessel.
Both vessels should keep to the
starboard (right).
Give
way! Give
Power vs. Sail: The powerboat is
Give
way! the give-way vessel. The sailboat
is the stand-on vessel. way!

Crossing Situations
Power vs. Power: The vessel on
the operator’s port (left) side is
the give-way vessel. The vessel
on the operator’s starboard (right)
Give side is the stand-on vessel.
way!
Power vs. Sail: The powerboat is
the give-way vessel. The sailboat Give
is the stand-on vessel. way!

Overtaking
Power vs. Power: The vessel that
is overtaking another vessel is the
give-way vessel. The vessel being
overtaken is the stand-on vessel.
Give
way!
Power vs. Sail: The vessel that is
overtaking another vessel is the
Give give-way vessel. The vessel being
way!
overtaken is the stand-on vessel.
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 12 It’s the Law!

Alcohol and Drugs (625 ILCS 45/5-16)

Illinois law prohibits anyone from operating a vessel while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
■ By operating a vessel on Illinois waters, you have given
“implied” consent to alcohol and/or drug testing if arrested
for operating under the influence.
■ Illinois law states that a person is considered to be operating a
vessel under the influence of alcohol or drugs if:
• The alcohol concentration
in his or her blood or breath
is 0.08% or more or…
• The person is under the
influence of any other drug
or combination of drugs
and/or alcohol to a degree
that renders him or her Just remember this simple rule:
incapable of operating the Don’t Drink and Boat!
vessel safely or…
• The person has any amount of a drug, substance, or
compound in his or her blood or urine resulting from the
unlawful use or consumption of cannabis, a controlled
substance, or an intoxicating compound.
Boating Accidents (625 ILCS 45/6)
■ A vessel operator is required to make a written report
whenever a boating accident results in:
• Loss of life or disappearance of a person or…
• Injury to any person or…
• Property damage in excess of $2,000.
■ Accidents that result in death of any person must be
reported to the DNR by the vessel operator within 48 hours
of the accident. All other serious injuries and accidents must
be reported to the DNR within five days.
■ Accident report forms are available from any DNR office or
on the Internet at
media.defense.gov/2022/Mar/08/2002952253/-1/-1/0/CG_3865.PDF.

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 It’s the Law! 13

Enforcement (625 ILCS 45/2 and 45/5-22)

Illinois DNR officers and all other law enforcement officers
enforce boating laws.
■ Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel
in order to check that you are complying with state and
federal laws.
■ It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with
law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a
visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must
bring his or her vessel to a stop.
■ You must yield or slow to “slow, no wake speed” when
being approached by or passing an emergency vessel using
legal visual signals. Failure to yield or slow will result in a
mandatory suspension of vessel operating privileges for a
period of three months up to two years.
Diver-Down Flags (625 ILCS 45/5-19)
■ Persons scuba diving, skin diving, snorkeling, or underwater
spearfishing must display a diver-down flag to warn other
boaters. A diver must stay within 150 feet of the flag. Unless
there is an emergency, a diver may not surface more than 50
feet from the flag. It is unlawful to display a diver-down flag
when not diving. Vessels not engaged in diving operations
must stay at least 150 feet from a displayed diver-down flag.
■ Two types of flags are used to indicate diving activity.
A rectangular red A blue-and-white
flag, at least 12" International Code
high x 15" wide, Flag A (or Alfa flag),
with a white required on federally
diagonal stripe controlled waters
Divers Alfa
Flag Flag
Discharge of Sewage and Waste (625 ILCS 45/4-9)
Illinois law states that it is unlawful to discharge any sewage
into Illinois waters directly or indirectly. Federal law requires
that every vessel with an installed toilet must have an operable
USCG–certified marine sanitation device (MSD) on board.

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 Specifically for PWC
In addition to adhering to all boating laws, PWC operators
have requirements specific to their vessel.
Requirements for PWC
(625 ILCS 45/4-1, 625 ILCS 45/4-11, 625 ILCS 45/5-2, 625 ILCS 45/5-18,
625 ILCS 45/5-20)
■ Every person on board
a PWC or a specialty
prop-craft must wear a
USCG–approved PFD
that is in good and
serviceable condition.
(Inflatable PFDs are not
approved for PWC or
prop-craft use.)
■ If the PWC is equipped with an ECOS:
• The lanyard must be attached to the person, clothing, or
PFD of the operator or…
• The wireless cut-off system must be activated.
■ A PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
■ There are minimum age and boater education requirements
for PWC operators. See “Who May Operate a Vessel.”
■ A PWC must be operated in a responsible manner.
Maneuvers that endanger people or property are prohibited,
including:
• Weaving your PWC through congested waterway traffic
• Jumping a wake of another vessel unreasonably close to
the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel
is obstructed
• Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve and
avoid collision

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 Specifically for Skiing
Vessel operators towing a person(s) on water skis, aquaplanes, or
any similar devices must obey these laws also.
Requirements for Towing Skiers (625 ILCS 45/5-14)
■ When a vessel is pulling a person on water skis, aquaplanes, or
similar devices, the operator must have a competent person on
board to act as an observer.
■ All vessels, including PWC, that are towing a person(s) on
water skis, aquaplanes, or similar devices must be designed
and recommended by the manufacturer to accommodate the
operator, observer, and person(s) being towed.
■ A person may not be towed from a half-hour after sunset to a
half-hour before sunrise.
■ Those towing skiers on water skis, aquaplanes, or similar
devices and those being towed must act in a safe and prudent
manner.
• Vessels towing persons must maintain a reasonable distance
from other persons and property so as not to endanger the
life or property of any person.
• It is illegal to operate the vessel or manipulate the towing
rope, water skis, or other devices such that the towed device
or person collides with any other person or object.

Skier-Towing Flag (625 ILCS 45/5–14)

Vessels towing persons on water skis or other devices must
display a skier-towing flag from the highest point around the
vessel’s helm so that it is visible from all directions at all times
while a person is in the water preparing to be towed, while the
person is being towed, and until the person has re-entered the
vessel. The flag may not be used for any other purpose.

The flag must be bright orange and

at least 12" x 12" in size.

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ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES

IDNR Central Office

One Natural Resources Way
Springfield, IL 62702
217-782-6302
www.dnr.illinois.gov

Office of Law Enforcement

217-782-6431
dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement.html

Contact Local Conservation Police Officer (CPO):

dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/lawenforcement/documents/districtcpo-
phonesandemails.pdf.

Prepare for Safety

Take a boating safety course. It’s required by law for some Illinois
boaters. Even if it’s not required for you, becoming certified may
save you money on boat insurance.
◆ To find a classroom course, call 1-800-832-2599.
◆ To take an online course, visit www.boat-ed.com/illinois.
◆ Everything you want to know about what’s going on outdoors in
Illinois is just a click away…

www.dnr.illinois.gov
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