Minnesota Statutes 86B.501 – Personal Flotation and Lifesaving Devices
Subdivision 1.Personal flotation or lifesaving devices.
(a) Watercraft and waterfowl boats using the waters of this state must be equipped with the number and type of personal flotation or lifesaving devices prescribed by the commissioner.
Attorney's Note
Under the Minnesota Statutes, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Misdemeanor | up to 90 days | up to $1,000 |
| Petty misdemeanor | up to $300 |
Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 86B.501
- children: includes children by birth or adoption;
(9) "day" comprises the time from midnight to the next midnight;
(10) "fiscal year" means the year by or for which accounts are reckoned;
(11) "hereafter" means a reference to the time after the time when the law containing such word takes effect;
(12) "heretofore" means a reference to the time previous to the time when the law containing such word takes effect;
(13) "judicial sale" means a sale conducted by an officer or person authorized for the purpose by some competent tribunal;
(14) "minor" means an individual under the age of 18 years;
(15) "money" means lawful money of the United States;
(16) "night time" means the time from sunset to sunrise;
(17) "non compos mentis" refers to an individual of unsound mind;
(18) "notary" means a notary public;
(19) "now" in any provision of a law referring to other laws in force, or to persons in office, or to any facts or circumstances as existing, relates to the laws in force, or to the persons in office, or to the facts or circumstances existing, respectively, on the effective date of such provision;
(20) "verified" when used in reference to writings, means supported by oath or affirmation. See Minnesota Statutes 645.45
- Person: may extend and be applied to bodies politic and corporate, and to partnerships and other unincorporated associations. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
- state: extends to and includes the District of Columbia and the several territories. See Minnesota Statutes 645.44
(b) The commissioner may not:
(1) require sailboards to be equipped with personal flotation or lifesaving devices; or
(2) require persons on sailboards to wear personal flotation or lifesaving devices or have them readily available.
Subd. 2.Rented watercraft; responsibility for lifesaving devices.
The owner of a business that rents, leases, or hires out watercraft must provide a personal flotation or lifesaving device of the type required by this section for each person on board the watercraft.
Subd. 3.Grant Allen Law; life jacket required for children.
(a) No person may operate a watercraft under way with a child under ten years of age aboard unless the child is:
(1) wearing an appropriate personal flotation device approved under subdivision 1; or
(2) below the top deck or in an enclosed cabin.
(b) Paragraph (a) does not apply to commercial watercraft where the child is a passenger and the operator is licensed by the state of Minnesota or the United States Coast Guard to carry passengers for hire. Paragraph (a) also does not apply if the watercraft is anchored for the purpose of swimming or diving.
(c) A first violation of this subdivision prior to May 1, 2006, shall not result in a penalty, but is punishable only by a safety warning.
(d) Any violation other than a violation addressed in paragraph (c) is to be considered a petty misdemeanor.
Subd. 4.Rowing team members; personal flotation devices.
Notwithstanding subdivision 1, a member of a rowing team that is sanctioned by an academic or nonprofit entity is not required to wear or possess, and no local ordinance or rule may require a member of a rowing team to wear or possess, a personal flotation device in a racing shell if a chase boat carrying the devices prescribed under subdivision 1 accompanies the racing shell. The requirement for a chase boat does not apply on waters where it is preempted by federal regulations.