NEW LAWS: 3 New Laws Ensuring Boating Safety

Lawmakers passed legislation this year that ensures the safety of boaters and others using Illinois' waterways. All of these laws go into affect on January 1, 2015:

Safety for Persons Towed by Watercraft
This new law requires operators of a watercraft towing a person to display an orange flag on their watercraft from the time the person prepares for towing until the person reenters the boat.

Boating Safety Certificates 
The law provides that no one born on or after January 1, 1998 shall operate a motorboat with more than 10 horse power without securing a valid Boating Safety Certificate by the Department of Natural Resources or another approved agency.

Forfeiture and Seizure of Watercraft
Beginning January 2, 2014, a watercraft may be seized by law enforcement if the owner of the craft allows an individual who lost their privilege or an individual under the influence of alcohol or drugs operate the craft.