Michigan Boating Laws —
At a Glance
Best Practices for Watercraft Safety
Lakefront property owners are responsible for the safe, lawful operation of their watercraft and for protecting swimmers, neighbors, and the lake itself.
Motorboats
(All Motorized Vessels)
- Registration required
- Must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State
- No-wake rule
- Slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of:
Shorelines
Swimmers
Boats
- Boater safety certificate
- Required for operators born after July 1, 1996
- Reckless operation
- Unsafe speed, sharp turns near others, or endangering people or property is illegal
- Alcohol & drugs
- Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal and actively enforced
- Life jackets
- One U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket per person onboard
Personal Watercraft
(Jet Skis / PWCs)
- Registration required
- Must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State
- No-wake rule
- Slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of:
Shorelines
Swimmers
Boats
- Age restrictions
- Under 14: Not allowed to operate
- Ages 14–15: Boater safety certificate is required and supervision rules apply
- Daylight only
- Operation allowed from sunrise to sunset only
- Unsafe maneuvers
- Jumping wakes, sharp turns near others, or erratic operation is prohibited
- Life jackets
- Strongly recommended at all times; required for minors
Motorboats
Personal Watercraft
(All Motorized Vessels)
(Jet Skis / PWCs)
- Registration required
- Must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State
- No-wake rule
- Slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of:
Shorelines
Swimmers
Boats
- Boater safety certificate
- Required for operators born after July 1, 1996
- Reckless operation
- Unsafe speed, sharp turns near others, or endangering people or property is illegal
- Alcohol & drugs
- Boating under the influence (BUI) is illegal and actively enforced
- Life jackets
- One U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket per person onboard
- Registration required
- Must be registered with the Michigan Secretary of State
- No-wake rule
- Slow, no-wake speed within 100 feet of:
Shorelines
Swimmers
Boats
- Age restrictions
- Under 14: Not allowed to operate
- Ages 14–15: Boater safety certificate is required and supervision rules apply
- Daylight only
- Operation allowed from sunrise to sunset only
- Unsafe maneuvers
- Jumping wakes, sharp turns near others, or erratic operation is prohibited
- Life jackets
- Strongly recommended at all times; required for minors
Swimmer awareness
Maintain safe distances and heightened awareness in near-shore areas
Invasive species prevention
Clean boats, PWCs, and trailers before launching and when leaving the lake
Fuel spills prohibited
Any fuel or oil discharge into the lake is illegal
Additional Information:
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Boating Laws & Safety