Boater Reference
ND Boating Regulations.
A plain-language summary of North Dakota boating laws — registration, required equipment, age rules, alcohol laws, invasive species, and trailer requirements.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always refer to the ND Game & Fish Department for the most current regulations.
Getting Started
Boat Registration
All motorized watercraft operated on North Dakota waters must be registered with the ND Game and Fish Department. This includes boats, personal watercraft (jet skis), and any vessel with an attached motor — even electric trolling motors.
Registration is valid for three years and can be completed online, by mail, or at select licensing vendors across the state. You will receive a registration certificate (keep on board at all times) and a set of validation decals for your hull.
Your ND registration number must be permanently displayed on both sides of the bow in block letters at least three inches high. The number format is ND 1234 AB. Validation decals go within six inches of the registration number.
Non-motorized boats (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rowboats without a motor) are exempt from registration but still subject to safety equipment and invasive species rules.
Registration Quick Facts
Who must register?
All motorized watercraft, including PWC and boats with electric trolling motors
How long is it valid?
Three (3) years from date of registration
Where to register?
Online at gf.nd.gov, by mail, or at licensing vendors statewide
What do I need on board?
Registration certificate and validation decals displayed on the bow
Out-of-state boats?
Boats registered in another state may operate in ND for up to 90 consecutive days
New boat from a dealer?
Your dealer (like Vallely) typically handles initial registration paperwork at the time of purchase
Required Safety Equipment
North Dakota law requires all motorized watercraft to carry specific safety equipment. Game wardens routinely check for compliance during on-water inspections.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
- ›One USCG-approved wearable PFD per person on board — must be the correct size for each individual
- ›Boats 16 feet and longer must also carry one throwable Type IV device (cushion or ring buoy)
- ›Children under 10 must wear a PFD at all times while the boat is underway
- ›PFDs must be readily accessible — not buried under gear or locked in a compartment
- ›Inflatable PFDs count for adults but are NOT approved for children under 16
Fire Extinguisher
- ›Required on motorboats with enclosed engine compartments, fuel tanks, or enclosed living spaces
- ›Must be USCG-approved, readily accessible, and currently charged (check the gauge)
- ›Boats under 26 feet: one B-1 extinguisher; boats 26-40 feet: two B-1 or one B-2
- ›Inspect and replace per manufacturer guidelines — expired extinguishers do not satisfy the requirement
Sound-Producing Device
- ›All motorboats must carry a device capable of producing an efficient sound signal
- ›Boats under 39.4 feet: a whistle, horn, or bell satisfies the requirement
- ›Boats 39.4 feet and longer: must carry both a whistle/horn AND a bell
- ›Used for fog, passing, and distress situations
Navigation Lights
- ›Required from sunset to sunrise and during periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, snow)
- ›Motorboats: red/green bow lights (sidelights) and white stern light
- ›Boats under 39.4 feet may use an all-around white light instead of separate masthead/stern lights
- ›Anchored boats must display an all-around white light visible for two miles
Visual Distress Signals
- ›Not required by ND state law for inland waters, but strongly recommended
- ›USCG requires them for coastal waters — relevant if you trailer your boat to other states
- ›Orange distress flag (daytime) and electric SOS light (nighttime) are the simplest non-pyrotechnic options
Operator Requirements
Age & Education
Under 12
May operate a motorboat only when accompanied by a person 18 or older within immediate reach of the controls
12-15
May operate a motorboat alone if they have completed an approved boater education course and carry the certificate on board
16 and older
May operate a motorboat without restrictions — boater education is highly recommended but not required by state law for this age group
PWC (Jet Ski)
Operators must be at least 12 years old. Ages 12-15 must complete boater education. PWC may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
The ND Game and Fish Department offers a free online boater education course at gf.nd.gov/education/boater. Even if you are not required to complete it, the course covers navigation rules, emergency procedures, and best practices that every boater should know.
Alcohol & BUI Laws
Legal Limit
Operating a boat with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher is illegal in North Dakota — the same standard as driving a car.
Implied Consent
By operating a vessel on ND waters, you have given implied consent to a chemical test if an officer has reasonable grounds to believe you are impaired.
Penalties
BUI convictions carry fines, potential jail time, and can affect your driving record. Repeat offenses carry escalating penalties. A BUI is a Class B misdemeanor for first offense.
Open Container
North Dakota does not prohibit open containers on boats, but the operator must remain under the legal BAC limit. Designate a sober operator, just as you would a designated driver.
Aquatic Invasive Species (ANS)
Preventing the spread of invasive species like zebra mussels and Eurasian watermilfoil is one of the most important responsibilities of every North Dakota boater. State law requires compliance.
Clean: Remove all visible aquatic plants, mud, and debris from your boat, trailer, and equipment before leaving any water body
Drain: Drain all water from livewells, bilges, ballast tanks, motors, and any other compartments before transporting your boat
Dry: Allow your boat and equipment to dry completely between water bodies whenever possible — most invasive organisms cannot survive prolonged drying
Dispose: Empty bait buckets on land — never dump live bait into a water body. This is a common vector for invasive species introduction
Inspect: Check anchor lines, dock lines, and other gear that was submerged. Zebra mussels and other organisms attach to any hard surface
Report: If you discover a suspected invasive species, report it to ND Game and Fish at 701-328-6300
Violations of ANS laws can result in fines up to $1,500. Some boat ramps have mandatory inspection stations — cooperate with inspectors and allow extra time during peak weekends.
Trailering
Trailer Regulations
Most North Dakota boaters trailer their boats. Here are the key regulations to keep your rig road-legal and safe.
Lights
All boat trailers must have functioning tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals. Check bulbs and wiring connections before every trip — submersion corrodes electrical connections.
Safety Chains
Two safety chains are required, crossed under the tongue, connecting the trailer to the tow vehicle. They must be strong enough to control the trailer if the hitch fails.
Wide Load
Boats and trailers wider than 8.5 feet require wide-load permits and may have travel time restrictions. Most standard fishing boats and pontoons are under this threshold, but measure to be sure.
Tie-Downs
Secure the boat to the trailer with bow and transom straps in addition to the winch cable. Transom straps prevent the boat from bouncing off the bunks at highway speed.
License Plate
Boat trailers must be registered with the ND DOT and display a valid license plate. Registration can be completed online or at your local ND DMV office.
Official Resources
For the most current and complete regulations, visit the official ND Game and Fish Department website.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Browse our full inventory of boats and watercraft, or contact our team in Bismarck or Minot with any questions.
