Colorado Boating Laws & Regulations

Colorado Boating Laws and Regulations

1. Do you need a boating license?

The state of Colorado requires individuals who are 14-17 years old to complete a NASBLA approved boating safety course to lawfully operate a boat in Colorado.

 

Colorado boating license
Age restrictions for boaters in Colorado?

2. Age requirements (very important)

  • Under 14 → Cannot operate a motorboat or jet ski
  • Ages 14–17 → Must:
    • Complete a safety course
    • Carry a Boating Safety Certificate
  • 18+ → Can operate freely (course recommended)

As of recent rules, under 18 must meet strict safety certification requirements.

 

3. Boat registration rules

You must register your boat if it has:

  • A motor (gas or electric)
  • A sail

✔ Required for all public waters
✔ Out-of-state boats allowed for up to 60 days with valid registration

 

Boat registration rules Colorado

 

4. Required permits & inspections

Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Stamp

  • Required for motorized boats and sailboats

Mandatory boat inspections

  • Required for most trailered or motorized boats
  • Helps prevent invasive species spread

You must also:

  • Clean, drain, and dry your boat after every trip (it’s the law)

5. Required safety equipment

Every boat must have:

  • Life jackets (PFDs) for each person
  • Fire extinguisher (for most motorboats)
  • Sound device (whistle or horn)
  • Navigation lights (for night use)

Additional rules:

  • Children 12 and under must wear life jackets
  • Boats 16+ ft need a throwable flotation device

6. Boating under the influence (BUI)

Illegal to operate a boat while impaired

  • BAC limit: 0.08% (same as driving)
  • Applies to all vessels (motorized and non-motorized)
  • Penalties:
    • Fines up to $1,000
    • Possible jail time

7. Navigation & operating rules

You must follow standard boating rules:

  • Maintain safe speed
  • Avoid collisions
  • Follow right-of-way rules
  • Obey posted signs and restricted areas

Operators are legally responsible for avoiding danger and acting safely

8. Water sports (tubing, skiing, wakeboarding)

If towing someone:

  • Must have a spotter (second person) onboard
  • Activity allowed only from sunrise to sunset
  • Person being towed must wear a life jacket

9. Accident reporting laws

You must report boating accidents if they involve:

  • Death or disappearance
  • Injury
  • Significant property damage

Reports usually required within 5 days

10. Key rules people often forget

  • No boating under the influence
  • Always carry your safety certificate (if required)
  • Boat inspections are mandatory in many cases
  • Life jackets must be accessible (and worn by kids)
  • Clean, drain, dry your boat every time

Boating safety course and boating exam accredited in USA

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