If you’ll be spending a lot of time on the lake this summer like many Minnesotans, you’ll want to be aware of a new boater safety law that is set to kick off on July 1, 2025.
The law, which will gradually go into effect on July 1 of this year, will require individuals under the age of 21 to obtain a valid watercraft operator’s permit if they plan to drive a boat on the water. The gradual rollout means that people can still operate a boat without a permit beyond that date, so long as there is an accompanying operator on the boat. For now, that simply means that there is someone over the age of 21 on the boat at the same time. The law applies to personal water crafts, like a jetski, or watercrafts with over 25 horsepower.
The goal of the new law is to make our lakes a bit safer. Up to this point, there was no requirement or safety permit needed to operate a boat. The change means that drivers will need to obtain a watercraft operator’s permit, or at least have years of experience driving a vehicle in order to be eligible to drive a watercraft.
Gradual Rollout
As we noted above, the law is actually going to be rolled out in waves. On July 1 of this year, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old in order to operate a watercraft without a permit. Over the next four years, that age threshold will increase until the change has been completely implemented in 2028. Here’s a closer look at the four-year rollout.
July 1, 2025 – Must be at least 21 years old to operate a watercraft without a permit.
July 1, 2026 – Must be at least 26 years old to operate a watercraft without a permit.
July 1, 2027 – Must be at least 31 years old to operate a watercraft without a permit.
July 1, 2028 – Must be at least 41 years old to operate a watercraft without a permit.
When the final rollout hits in 2028, boaters will need to be 41 or older in order to operate a boat without a permit.
Law enforcement across Minnesota have noted that their goal is to educate boaters on the new law, especially this first season, but that also doesn’t mean that you’ll certainly walk away with just a verbal warning. It’s possible that you could end up receiving a ticket, so make sure you’re legal if the new law change ends up affecting you this year or during the gradual rollout.
For more information about the law change, or for help getting your operator’s permit, head on over to the Minnesota DNR’s website. And if you need help with a traffic or criminal matter, connect with Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
