CHAPTER 12. REGULATION OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT
IC 14-15-12
Chapter 12. Regulation of Personal Watercraft
IC 14-15-12-1
"Individual" defined
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, "individual" means an individual
human being.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-2
"Person" defined
Sec. 2. As used in this chapter, "person" has the meaning set forth
in IC 14-8-2-202(a).
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-3
"Personal watercraft" defined
Sec. 3. As used in this chapter, "personal watercraft" has the
meaning set forth in IC 14-8-2-202.5.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-4
"Public waters" defined
Sec. 4. As used in this chapter, "public waters" has the meaning
set forth in IC 14-8-2-226.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-5
Additional requirements and prohibitions
Sec. 5. The requirements and prohibitions set forth in this chapter
concerning personal watercraft are in addition to the requirements
and prohibitions set forth in IC 14-15-3 and IC 14-15-8.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-6
Operation while facing rear prohibited
Sec. 6. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on public
waters while facing the rear of the personal watercraft.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-7
Restrictions on water activities
Sec. 7. A personal watercraft shall not be used on public waters
to tow individuals engaged in waterskiing, aquaplaning, or similar
activities, unless:
(1) the personal watercraft is at least nine (9) feet long;
(2) the personal watercraft is designed to seat at least three (3)
individuals; and
(3) an individual other than the operator of the personal
watercraft is aboard the personal watercraft, acting as an
observer.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.28-1998, SEC.1.
IC 14-15-12-8
Personal flotation devices
Sec. 8. A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on public
waters unless every individual:
(1) operating;
(2) riding on; or
(3) being towed by;
the personal watercraft is wearing a personal flotation device that
meets the requirements for designation by the United States Coast
Guard as a Type I, Type II, Type III, or Type V personal flotation
device, if applicable.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9. Amended by P.L.38-2000, SEC.5;
P.L.24-2001, SEC.2.
IC 14-15-12-9
Self-circling capability
Sec. 9. A personal watercraft that does not have self-circling
capability shall not be operated on public waters unless:
(1) the personal watercraft is equipped with a lanyard type
engine cutoff switch; and
(2) the lanyard is attached to the person, clothing, or personal
flotation device of the operator.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-10
Reasonable and prudent operation
Sec. 10. (a) A personal watercraft operated on public waters must
at all times be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner.
(b) A person shall not operate a personal watercraft on public
waters in a way that endangers human life, human physical safety, or
property.
(c) A person shall not do any of the following while operating a
personal watercraft on public waters:
(1) Weave through congested watercraft traffic in a way that
endangers human life, human physical safety, or property.
(2) Follow a watercraft that is towing an individual on:
(A) water skis;
(B) a surf board; or
(C) another water sport device;
in a way that endangers human life, human physical safety, or
property.
(3) Jump the wake of another watercraft in a way that endangers
human life, human physical safety, or property.
(4) Cut between a boat and the individual or individuals being
towed by the boat.
(5) Cross paths with another watercraft when visibility around
the other watercraft is so obstructed as to endanger human life,
human physical safety, or property.
(6) Steer a personal watercraft toward an object or individual in
the water and turn sharply at close range in a way that
endangers human life, human physical safety, or property.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-11
Unlawful authorization to operate watercraft
Sec. 11. A person who:
(1) owns a personal watercraft; or
(2) has charge over or control of a personal watercraft;
shall not authorize or knowingly permit the personal watercraft to be
operated in violation of this chapter.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-12
Nonapplicability
Sec. 12. Sections 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 of this chapter do not apply to:
(1) a performer engaged in a professional exhibition; or
(2) a person participating in a regatta, a race, a marine parade,
a tournament, or an exhibit;
that is held in compliance with rules adopted by the natural resources
commission.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-13
Violations
Sec. 13. (a) A person who intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly
violates section 10 of this chapter commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) A person who violates section 6, 7, 8, 9, or 11 of this chapter
commits a Class C infraction.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.
IC 14-15-12-14
Implementation
Sec. 14. The natural resources commission may adopt rules under
IC 4-22-2 to implement this chapter.
As added by P.L.57-1995, SEC.9.