The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is charged with the task of ensuring safe and responsible watercraft operation in Illinois’.
Like most sports Kayaking has it’s own set of rules and regulations. In this article we’ll billinois kayak lawse going over these Laws that ensure the safety and enjoyment of the waterways.
Illinois Kayak Laws
Whether you’re on a kayak or canoe, the importance of safety measures cannot be overstated. The particulars can fluctuate based on individual cases but these are the basic regulations.
- The Department requires atleast one wearable Type I, II, III, or V Personal Flotation Device for each person aboard. The PFDs should be readily accessible at all times!
- Flotation devices that are ripped or in poor condition are not considered approved.
- Everyone on a personal watercraft must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type I, II, III or V life jacket.
- Unpowered vessels, like kayaks and canoes are exempted from boating registration requirements.
- People under 13 years of age must wear their life jacket while on board of a vessel underway that is less than 26 feet in length.
- There are no legal age requirements to operate un-powered kayaks or canoes in Illinois. How children should be under the direct supervision of a parent or guardian
- Illinois law prohibits boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs within the state.
- All vessels are required to carry night signaling devices. Though Manually propelled watercraft are exempt from carrying day signaling devices.
- On federally controlled waters (coastline), all vessels are required to carry US Coast Guard approved night VDS devices to ensure smooth sailing.
- All vessels with an internal combustion engine (this includes motorized kayaks) anywhere in the State of Illinois must have at least one extinguisher.
Note: The term “watercraft” includes motorized and non-motorized vessels. (kayaks, canoes, SUPs, etc).
An In-depth Look At The BUI Regulations For Kayakers
Intoxication impairs a boater’s capacity for safe navigation. There is an established Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) limit for operating any form of watercraft.
The boater with the blood alcohol content of 0.08 % or more is presumed to be under the influence of alcohol. There are three possible outcomes of breaking this law.
- First time offenders may face a financial penalty upwards of $2,500 and potentially spend a year in jail.
- Repeated offenders could find themselves facing prison time of up to three years and a hefty fine reaching $25,000.
- Kayakers who refuse sobriety test can get their canoes and kayak privileges suspended.
Navigating Illinois Registration Requirements For Kayaks
A kayak with a trolling motor that does not have a legitimate Illinois Water Usage Stamp or lacks a valid boating identification number from the Illinois Department of Revenue (DOR) is considered not fit for use on Illinois waters.
The primary purpose behind kayak registration is safety. However, Unpowered vessels, such as non-motor canoes and kayaks, are exempt from this boating registration in the state of Illinois.
The following points further explain the registration requirements for kayaks in Illinois:
- All watercraft, must be registered as per Illinois law. This rule is applicable irrespective of whether these are non-motorized or motorized vessels.
- Exceptions are made for watercraft that are propelled solely by paddles or oars and aren’t used commercially or rented out.
- Lifeboats also fall under the category of exempted entities and hence do not require registration.
- Water vessels with registrations from other states that have not entered Illinois waters for more than 60 consecutive days also qualify for exemption from this rule.
Closing Thoughts On Laws For Kayaking In Illinois
Finally, understanding and following the Illinois kayak laws is essential for both seasoned paddlers and newcomers to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the waterways of this great state.
