The metro Atlanta area offers many waterways where Georgians and residents of other states can enjoy boating, skiing, fishing, and just riding around Lake Lanier on a clear day. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA DNR) oversees all boating activities. They enforce laws to keep everyone safe. Sometimes those regulations are broken and arrests are made on the Chattahoochee River and other recreational areas.
This comprehensive guide covers key regulations to help boaters stay safe and compliant on Georgia’s waterways. Larry Kohn is a top criminal defense lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. He has more than 500 five-star AVVO reviews and is knowledgeable about boating laws in Georgia.
Georgia Law on Boating License and Education Requirements
In Georgia, people born on or after January 1, 1998, must take a boating education course. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must approve this course. You need to complete it before operating a motorized vessel on state waters. This requirement ensures operators understand essential safety rules and Georgia boat navigation light laws.
To get a boating license in Georgia, you can take online or classroom courses. Some courses are free, while others cost about $29.99.
Age Restrictions for Boat Operation – Minimum Age to Drive a Boat
Georgia law imposes specific age limits for operating various watercraft:
Under 12 years old: Prohibited from operating personal watercraft (PWC) or vessels 16 feet in length or longer. May operate boats under 16 feet with motors 30 horsepower or less if accompanied by a competent adult.
12-15 years old: May operate PWCs or vessels under 16 feet if they’ve completed an approved boating education course and are accompanied by a competent adult.
16 years and older: May legally operate any boat or PWC with proper identification on board.
Georgia Boating Laws – Life Jackets
Safety is very important on Georgia’s waters. The law mandates:
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets (personal flotation devices) that are readily accessible for each person on board.
Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while on any moving vessel. The jacket must be worn and securely fastened.
While not required for those 13 and older, wearing life jackets is strongly encouraged for all boaters.
Georgia Boating Under the Influence Law – BUI
Georgia takes BUI offenses seriously. Key points include:
- Operating a boat with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher is illegal.
- BUI is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and poetential imprisonment.
- Refusing a chemical test can result in loss of boating privileges.
Navigation Rules and Safety
To ensure safe waterways, Georgia enforces several crucial regulations:
- The “100-foot law” requires vessels to slow to idle speed within 100 feet of people, docks, piers, bridges, and shorelines.
- All vessels operating at night, including non-motorized craft, require proper lighting. Navigation lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.
- Boaters must follow specific “rules of the road” for meeting, crossing, and overtaking other vessels.
Additional Regulations Including Georgia Gun Laws on Boats
Georgia boating laws also cover related activities like boat trailer towing laws in Georgia.
- Towing individuals behind boats is prohibited between sunset and sunrise.
- Out-of-state boats may operate in Georgia waters for up to 60 consecutive days before registration is required.
- Firearms are generally allowed on boats, but standard gun laws apply.
Georgia Kayak Laws
While canoes and kayaks and other non-motorized vessels under 16 feet are exempt from registration requirements, they must still adhere to safety regulations:
- Life jackets are required for each person on board – each person must wear a PFD.
- Navigation lights are necessary when operating between sunset and sunrise.
- Kayakers must follow the same “rules of the road” as other vessels, including the lights on a kayak law in Georgia.
By understanding and following these Georgia boating laws, operators can enjoy the state’s beautiful waterways safely and legally. If you find yourself facing legal issues related to boating, don’t hesitate to seek expert legal counsel. Larry Kohn’s extensive experience in criminal defense, including BUI cases, can provide the guidance and representation you need to navigate these complex legal waters.
Fines and penalties: Violations of boating laws can result in fines up to $1,000 for certain offenses.
Imprisonment: Some violations, like boating under the influence (BUI), can lead to jail time of up to one year.
Loss of boating privileges: Refusing to submit to alcohol/drug testing can result in losing the privilege to operate a boat for up to one year.
Criminal charges: Reckless operation of a vessel is a criminal offense in Georgia. This can include actions like water skiing too close to swimmers or jumping the wake of another boat within 100 feet.
Additional charges: Operating a boat under the influence with a child under 14 on board can result in an additional charge of child endangerment.
Civil liability: Reckless boating that causes injury to others can lead to civil lawsuits and potential damages.
Mandatory education: Violators may be required to complete a boating education course approved by the Department of Driver Services.
Serious injury or homicide charges: If reckless boating leads to serious injury or death of another person, the operator could face severe criminal charges, including homicide by vessel.
Increased insurance rates: Violations and accidents can lead to higher boat insurance premiums.
Vessel impoundment: In some cases, law enforcement may impound a vessel for serious violations.
If you were cited by the GA DNR for a boating law violation call Larry Kohn at (404) 567-5515 and come into our law office the same day to meet with Larry during a free lawyer consultation.