SB 22-221

Senate Bill 22-221 increases the minimum age for operating a motorboat in Colorado from 16 to 18 years old. However, it still allows 14 and 15-year-olds to operate a motorboat if they complete an approved boating safety course and get a certificate. The bill has been signed into law, meaning this new rule is now effective, making it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to operate a motorboat without meeting the exception criteria.

Official Summary

Current law prohibits the operation of a motorboat by a person who is less than 16 years of age; except that, a person who is at least 14 years of age but less than 16 years of age may operate a motorboat if the person has completed a boating safety course approved by the division of parks and wildlife and possesses a boating safety certificate issued by the boating safety course provider. The bill raises the minimum age requirement from 16 to 18 years of age and retains the existing exceptions for certain persons who are at least 14 years of age.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)