A few weeks ago we discussed boating laws at length, which made us realize the very different sets of statutes that pertain to boats versus personal watercraft laws. A personal watercraft, according to Michigan state regulations, is anything that is, “Designed to be operated by one more people positioned on rather than within the confines of the whole.” A perfect example of personal watercrafts include Jet skis.
Specifics of Personal Watercraft Laws in Michigan
Personal watercraft laws are vastly different than boating laws in the state of Michigan. For a full list of rules and regulations, visit the Secretary of State’s website. The following are some of the more important ones to keep in mind:
• Operators of a personal watercraft must wear a lanyard engine cut off device on their wrist. This ensures the personal watercraft comes to a safe stop should the driver no longer be seated on the vessel.
• Personal watercraft cannot be operated after sunset or before 8 a.m.
• A personal watercraft cannot cross within 150 feet of the rear of another vehicle unless doing so slowly, for example, while moving from mooring to open water.
• Personal watercraft cannot be operated in water depth of less than two feet unless it’s for limited maneuvering.
• A distance of at least 200 feet from the shore must be maintained when riding a personal watercraft in the Great Lakes.
Owner Always Liable
Possibly the most important personal watercraft laws include liability. The owner of the personal watercraft is liable for any injury caused by that watercraft, whether they are operating the vessel or not. This means loaning your Jet Ski to your friend opens you up to potential liability claims should an incident occur. Therefore, it’s important to be careful who you allow to operate your personal watercraft, and to always carry liability insurance on the vessel.
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