Boating LAWS
Michigan Boating Laws
The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities offers a comprehensive overview of watercraft rules and regulations including speed limits, hours of operation, rights of way, age restrictions, and other safety precautions.
Photo Credit: Mark Teicher
Please be aware of these important safety regulations:
- All Michigan inland lakes have a general speed limit of 55 MPH
- Boats must stay 100 feet from shore, rafts, docks, buoys, and swimmers unless moving at a slow, no wake speed. Personal watercraft must remain 200 feet from these obstacles
- All vessels must stay 200 feet from scuba divers and “diver under” flags
- Boats must travel around the lake in a counter-clockwise manner, particularly when towing skiers, surfers, or tubers
- Boats and jet skis require a “spotter” and a rearview mirror when towing a skier, surfer, or tuber
- Sailboats, non-motorized watercraft, and boats towing skiers always have the right of way
An overview of Michigan Boating regulations and guide for safe boater operations is here:
Michigan Marine Law & Boater Safety | Michigan Lakes & Streams Association, INC (mymlsa.org)
See also DNR recommendations for the safety and lake-friendly operational recommendations for wake boats. DNR Wake Boat Study and Recommendations.
Who needs a boating certificate?
Get your Boating License & Safety Course
Michigan Safe Boating Certificate
Boater Safety Class
Every May we offer a free boater safety class in cooperation with Livingston County. The date and location are often set in April and published here.
Fishing Licenses
For Requirements for Fishing Licenses go here.