New Jersey Safe Boating Laws

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Minimum age to operate a power vessel
There are two minimum ages, 13 years old for vessels powered by electric trolling motors, or vessels 12' or longer with less than 10 total HP. Operators of all other power vessels, including personal watercraft, must be at least sixteen years old, this includes out-of-state residents.

Do I need a boat license?
A boat license is a separate document from a boat safety certificate and is required for operation on non-tidal water (water where the tide does not change) in the State of New Jersey. The boat license is not a replacement for a boat safety certificate, it is an additional requirement. On non tidal waters in the State of New Jersey you may need both, a boat safety certificate and a boat license. To obtain a boat license, go to your nearest NJ Division of Motor Vehicle Commission Facility. Persons must bring their NJ Boat Safety Certificate with them to apply for a boat license if they are required to possess a certificate for vessel operation.

View Non-Tidal Boat Operator License Requirements (PDF - 23kb)

EXEMPTIONS: A boat license is not required for non-powered vessels.

Persons operating vessels less than 1 HP, vessels powered by 12 volt electric trolling motors or vessels 12' or longer with less than 10 total HP are exempt from the license requirement.

Out-of-state residents with written proof of the successful completion of a boat safety course are exempt from the boat license requirement.

Personal flotation device
All PWC operators and all persons 12 years old and under on any vessel must wear a United States Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while onboard any vessel that is underway. Underway means that the vessel is not anchored or tied to a dock, if it is drifting, sailing or being pushed by a motor it is underway.

The personal flotation device may be removed if the child is inside a fully enclosed, permanent part of the vessel that is designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers.

Although persons 13 years of age or older and persons not on personal watercraft are not required to wear a personal flotation device, there still must be a wearable personal flotation device onboard the vessel that is the correct size for each person. This wearable personal flotation device(s) must be readily accessible and in serviceable condition.

Violations

Penalties for boating law violators include:
Operating a power boat without completing a boating safety course: minimum $100, maximum $500 fine.
Failing to carry or exhibit a license when operating a power boat on nontidal waters: up to $500 fine and/or up to 60 days imprisonment.

Penalties for boating under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or refusal include:
Operating a power boat while DUI on tidal or nontidal waters:
1st Offense: loss of right to operate in NJ:
Vessel: 12 months
Vehicle: 3 months*
* Violators under age 17: to 17 years, 3 months
MOPED operators: from sentence date to 17 years, 3 months
and
Fine $250-400

2nd Offense: loss of right to operate in NJ:
Vessel: 24 months
Vehicle: 6 months*
Fine $500-$1,000
* Violators under age 17: to 17 years, 6 months
MOPED operators: from sentence date to 17 years, 3 months
and
Community service: 30 days
Jail: 48 hours-90 days

Note: Penalties for certain DUI-related offenses may increase to double fines and imprisonment (if committed within 1,000 feet of property used for school purposes) or forfeiture of the vessel and/or vehicle. These offenses include DUI, driving revoked, vehicular homicide or refusal to take a chemical test.

Penalties for refusing a breathalyzer or chemical test, all ages, are loss of right to operate power boats and vehicles and:
1st Offense 6 months and $250-500 fine
2nd Offense 2 years and $250-500 fine
3rd Offense 10 years and $250-500 fine

Vehicles as defined are automobiles, commercial vehicles, motorcycles, MOPEDs and agricultural vehicles.