SB 23-069

Senate Bill 23-069 changes the rules for operating a motorboat in Colorado. Starting June 1, 2024, anyone under 18 years old must complete a boating safety course and carry their certificate with them to legally operate a motorboat. This applies to public waters but not to private property like lakes on personal land. The bill was signed into law by the governor on May 4, 2023.

Official Summary

Current law requires an operator of a motorboat in the state to be at least 16 years of age but allows an individual who is at least 14 years of age and who has completed a motorboat safety course to operate a motorboat in the state. The act increases this age requirement to require all individuals under 18 years of age to take a boating safety course and to have a certificate of completion from that course in the individual's possession or in an accessible place in order to operate a motorboat. The act provides an exception to the age requirement for the operation of motorboats on bodies of water located on private property. APPROVED by Governor May 4, 2023 EFFECTIVE June 1, 2024 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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