Chapter 30

30.50(6) (6) “Motorboat” means any boat equipped with propulsion machinery, whether or not the machinery is the principal source of propulsion.

30.50(7) (7) “Nonmotorized boat” means a boat which is not a motorboat but which is designed and constructed to be used as a boat for transportation of a person or persons on water. This term includes, but is not limited to, any canoe, sailboat, inflatable boat or similar device, row boat, raft and dinghy which is not a motorboat.

30.50(8) (8) “Operate” or “use” when used with reference to a motorboat, boat or vessel means to navigate or otherwise employ.

30.50(8g) (8g) “Operation of a motorboat” means controlling the speed or direction of a motorboat, except a sailboat operating under sail alone.

30.50(8r) (8r) “Operator” means a person who is engaged in the operation of a motorboat, who is responsible for the operation of a motorboat or who is supervising the operation of a motorboat.

30.50(9) (9) “Owner” means the person who has lawful possession of a boat by virtue of legal title or equitable interest therein which entitles the person to lawful possession.

30.50(9b) (9b) “Patrol boat” means a boat authorized by this state or by a local governmental unit for the purpose of law enforcement, search and rescue, fire fighting, emergency response, or water safety operations, including a water safety patrol unit.

30.50(9d) (9d) “Personal watercraft” means a motorboat that uses an inboard motor powering a water jet pump or a caged propeller as its primary source of motive power and that is designed to be operated by a person standing on, kneeling on or sitting astride the watercraft.

30.50(9f) (9f) “Proof,” when used in reference to evidence of a certification or registration document or safety certificate, means the original certification or registration document or safety certificate issued by the department or an agent appointed under s. 30.52 (1m) (a) 3. or any alternative form of proof designated by rule under s. 23.47 (1).

30.50(9g) (9g) “Purpose of authorized analysis” means for the purpose of determining or obtaining evidence of the presence, quantity or concentration of alcohol or other intoxicant in a person’s blood, breath or urine.

30.50(9x) (9x) “Refusal law” means s. 30.684 (5) or a local ordinance in conformity with that subsection.

30.50(10) (10) “Registration” means the registration certificate, registration card, and registration decal issued by the department.

30.50(10m) (10m) “Restricted controlled substance” means any of the following:

30.50(10m)(a) (a) A controlled substance included in schedule I under ch. 961 other than a tetrahydrocannabinol.

30.50(10m)(b) (b) A controlled substance analog, as defined in s. 961.01 (4m), of a controlled substance described in par. (a).

30.50(10m)(c) (c) Cocaine or any of its metabolites.

30.50(10m)(d) (d) Methamphetamine.

30.50(10m)(e) (e) Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, excluding its precursors or metabolites, at a concentration of one or more nanograms per milliliter of a person’s blood.

30.50(11) (11) “Sailboard” means a sailboat with a hull resembling a surfboard which has little or no cockpit or seating area and which is designed to be sailed by a person in a standing position.

30.50(12) (12) “Slow-no-wake” means that speed at which a boat moves as slowly as possible while still maintaining steerage control.

30.50(13) (13) “State of principal use” means the state where the boat is used or is to be used most during the year.

30.50(13d) (13d) “Temporary operating receipt” means a receipt issued by the department or an agent under s. 30.52 (1m) (ag) 1. a. that shows that an application and the required fees for a certificate of number or registration have been submitted to the department or an agent appointed under s. 30.52 (1m) (a) 3.

30.50(13m) (13m) “Test facility” means a test facility or agency prepared to administer tests under s. 343.305 (2).

30.50(14) (14) “Waters of this state” means any waters within the territorial limits of this state, including the Wisconsin portion of boundary waters.

30.50 History History: 1979 c. 275; 1983 a. 27, 100; 1985 a. 279, 331; 1987 a. 3, 374; 1989 a. 145; 1991 a. 39, 257, 316; 1995 a. 290, 349, 436, 448; 1997 a. 198; 1999 a. 9; 2001 a. 16; 2003 a. 97; 2005 a. 25, 308; 2013 a. 83; 2015 a. 89; 2019 a. 68.

30.50 Annotation Recreational boating law in Wisconsin. Whipple. 61 MLR 425.

30.50 Annotation Wisconsin’s Boating Rules of the Road. Whipple. Wis. Law. June 2000.

30.501 30.501 Capacity plates on boats.

30.501(1) (1) Every vessel less than 20 feet in length designed to carry 2 or more persons and to be propelled by machinery as its principal source of power or designed to be propelled by oars shall, if manufactured or offered for sale in this state, have affixed permanently thereto by the manufacturer a capacity plate as required by this section. As used in this section “manufacture” means to construct or assemble a vessel or alter a vessel so as to change its weight capacity.

30.501(2) (2) A capacity plate shall bear the following information permanently marked thereon so as to be clearly visible and legible from the position designed or normally intended to be occupied by the operator of the vessel when under way:

30.501(2)(a) (a) For all vessels designed for or represented by the manufacturer as being suitable for use with outboard motor:

30.501(2)(a)1. 1. The total weight of persons, motor, gear and other articles placed aboard which the vessel is capable of carrying with safety under normal conditions.

30.501(2)(a)2. 2. The recommended number of persons commensurate with the weight capacity of the vessel and the presumed weight in pounds of each such person. In no instance shall such presumed weight per person be less than 150 pounds.

30.501(2)(a)3. 3. Clear notice that the information appearing on the capacity plate is applicable under normal conditions and that the weight of the outboard motor and associated equipment is considered to be part of total weight capacity.

30.501(2)(a)4. 4. The maximum horsepower of the motor the vessel is designed or intended to accommodate.

30.501(2)(b) (b) For all other vessels to which this section applies:

30.501(2)(b)1. 1. The total weight of persons, gear and other articles placed aboard which the vessel is capable of carrying with safety under normal conditions.

30.501(2)(b)2. 2. The recommended number of persons commensurate with the weight capacity of the vessel and the presumed weight in pounds of each such person. In no instance shall such presumed weight per person be less than 150 pounds.

30.501(2)(b)3. 3. Clear notice that the information appearing on the capacity plate is applicable under normal conditions.

30.501(3) (3) The information relating to maximum capacity required to appear on capacity plates by sub. (2) shall be determined in accordance with such methods and formulas as are prescribed by rule promulgated by the department. In prescribing such methods and formulas, the department shall be guided by and give due regard to the necessity for uniformity in methods and formulas lawful for use in determining small vessel capacity in the several states and to any methods and formulas which may be recognized or recommended by the U.S. coast guard.

30.501(4) (4) Any vessel to which this section applies not having a capacity plate, meeting the requirements of law, affixed thereto by the manufacturer thereof may have such affixed by any other person in accordance with such rules as the department promulgates, and may thereafter be offered for sale in this state, but no action taken pursuant to this subsection, or as described herein, shall relieve any manufacturer from liability for failure to comply with this section.

30.501(5) (5) The information appearing on a capacity plate shall be deemed to warrant that the manufacturer, or the person affixing the capacity plate as permitted by sub. (4), has correctly and faithfully employed a method and formula for the calculation of maximum weight capacity prescribed by the department and that the information appearing on the capacity plate with respect to maximum weight capacity and recommended number of persons is the result of applying such method and formula, and with respect to information concerning horsepower limitations that such information is not a deliberate or negligent misrepresentation.

30.501(6) (6) If any vessel required by this section to have a capacity plate affixed thereto is of such design or construction as to make it impracticable or undesirable to affix such plate, the manufacturer, or other person having the responsibility for affixing the plate, may represent such impracticability or undesirability to the department in writing. Upon determination by the department that such representation has merit and that a proper and effective substitute for the capacity plate which will serve the same purpose is feasible, the department may authorize such alternative compliance and such alternative compliance shall thereafter be deemed compliance with the capacity plate requirements of this section.

30.501(7) (7) The department may by rule exempt from the requirements of this section vessels which it finds to be of such unconventional design or construction that the information required on capacity plates would not assist in promoting safety or is not reasonably obtainable.

30.501(8) (8) The department may promulgate rules to carry out the purposes of this section, but rules on vessel capacity requirements shall conform with appropriate federal regulations.

30.501(9) (9) This section applies to vessels manufactured after January 1, 1966 and prior to November 1, 1972. All vessels manufactured after November 1, 1972, shall comply with appropriate federal regulations and the capacity information shall be displayed as required.

30.501 History History: 1979 c. 275; 1985 a. 332 ss. 44, 251 (1); 1987 a. 403; 1997 a. 198.

30.501 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also s. NR 5.12, Wis. adm. code.

30.505 30.505 Certificate of number system to conform to federal system. The certificate of number system and the issuance of identification numbers employed by the department shall be in conformity with the overall system of identification numbering for boats established by the U.S. government. The department shall promulgate rules as are necessary to bring the state certificate of number system and the issuance of identification numbers into conformity with this federal system.

30.505 History History: 1983 a. 27 s. 858; 1997 a. 198.

30.51 30.51 Certificate of number and registration; requirements; exemptions.

30.51(1) (1) Requirements.

30.51(1)(a) (a) Certificate of number. No person may operate, and no owner may give permission for the operation of, any boat on the waters of this state unless the boat is covered by a certificate of number issued under this chapter or is exempt from the certificate of number requirements of this chapter.

30.51(1)(b) (b) Registration. No person may operate, and no owner may give permission for the operation of, any boat on the waters of this state unless the boat is covered by a registration issued under this chapter or is exempt from the registration requirements of this chapter.

30.51(2) (2) Exemptions.

30.51(2)(a) (a) Exemptions from both certificate of number and registration requirements. A boat is exempt from both the certificate of number and the registration requirements of this chapter if it is:

30.51(2)(a)1. 1. A nonmotorized boat which is not a sailboat.

30.51(2)(a)2. 2. A nonmotorized boat which is a sailboat but which either is 12 feet in length or less or is a sailboard.

30.51(2)(a)3. 3. Covered by a valid certificate of number issued under federal law or a federally approved numbering system of another state, with the identification number properly displayed on each side of the forward half, but this exemption does not apply if the boat has been within this state for a period in excess of 60 consecutive days or if this state is the state of principal use of the boat.

30.51(2)(a)3m. 3m. Covered by a valid certificate of number issued under a federally approved numbering system under a registration program established by a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band, if all of the following apply:

30.51(2)(a)3m.a. a. The registration program of the tribe or band is covered by an agreement under s. 23.35.

30.51(2)(a)3m.b. b. The boat displays the identification number required by the tribe or band on each side of the forward half.

30.51(2)(a)3m.c. c. The boat has not been, for more than 60 consecutive days, in that portion of this state that is outside the boundaries of the reservation where it is registered.

30.51(2)(a)3m.d. d. The area of this state that is outside of the reservation where it is registered is not the area in which the boat is used or will be used most during the year.

30.51(2)(a)4. 4. Operated within a period of 60 days after application for a certificate of number has been made and the required fee has been paid, if proof of application is carried on board.

30.51(2)(a)5. 5. From a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of this state.

30.51(2)(a)6. 6. A military or public boat of the United States, except recreational-type public vessels.

30.51(2)(a)7. 7. A boat whose owner is a state or subdivision of a state, which is used principally for governmental purposes, and which is clearly identifiable.

30.51(2)(a)8. 8. A ship’s lifeboat.

30.51(2)(a)9. 9. Present in this state, for a period of not to exceed 10 days, for the express purpose of competing in a race conducted under a permit from a municipality or an authorized agency of the U.S. government.

30.51(2)(b) (b) Exemption from certificate of number requirements. A boat is exempt from the certificate of number requirements of this chapter if it is a federally documented vessel.

30.51(2)(c) (c) Exemption from registration requirements. A boat is exempt from the registration requirements of this chapter if it is:

30.51(2)(c)1. 1. Covered by a certificate of number issued under this chapter.

30.51(2)(c)2. 2. A federally documented vessel which is a commercial fishing boat operated under a license issued under s. 29.519.

30.51(2)(c)3. 3. A federally documented vessel with a home port located outside this state. This exemption does not apply if the boat has been within this state for a period in excess of 60 consecutive days or if this state is the state of principal use of the boat.

30.51(2)(c)4. 4. Operated within 60 days after an application for registration is made and the required fee is paid if proof of the application for registration is carried on board the boat.

30.51 History History: 1973 c. 302; 1979 c. 275; 1983 a. 27; 1985 a. 279; 1993 a. 405; 1997 a. 198, 248; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 288.

30.51 Annotation The boating registration law does not violate Art. IX, s. 1. State v. Jackman, 60 Wis. 2d 700, 211 N.W.2d 480 (1973).

30.51 Annotation The state has jurisdiction to enforce this section over tribal members operating motorboats on non-reservation waters. Enforcement does not conflict with members’ treaty rights or federal law and is not discriminatory. State v. Big John, 146 Wis. 2d 741, 432 N.W.2d 576 (1988).

30.52 30.52 Certificate of number and registration; application; certification and registration period; fees; issuance.

30.52(1) (1) Issuance of certificates and registrations.

30.52(1)(a) (a) Application for certificate of number.

30.52(1)(a)1. 1. Any person who owns a boat required to be covered by a certificate of number shall apply to the department for a certificate of number.

30.52(1)(a)3. 3. If a boat otherwise subject to the certificate of number requirements of this chapter is covered by a valid certificate of number issued under federal law or the federally approved numbering system of another state and is used in this state in excess of 60 consecutive days or if this state becomes the state of principal use, the owner of the boat shall immediately apply to the department for a certificate of number.

30.52(1)(b) (b) Application for registration.

30.52(1)(b)1. 1. Any person who owns a boat required to be registered under this chapter shall apply to the department for registration.

30.52(1)(b)1m. 1m. Any person who owns a nonmotorized boat that is exempt from the certificate of number and the registration requirement under s. 30.51 (2) (a) 1. or 2. may apply to the department for registration.

30.52(1)(b)1r. 1r. A person applying for registration of a federally documented vessel shall submit as part of the application a photocopy of the front and back of the federal certificate of documentation for the vessel, which must be current at the time of applying for registration.

30.52(1)(b)2. 2. If a federally documented vessel with a home port located outside this state is used in this state in excess of 60 consecutive days or if this state becomes the state of principal use, the owner of the boat shall immediately apply to the department for registration.