Minnesota Legislature
Office of the Revisor of Statutes
2023 Minnesota Statutes
86B.302 WATERCRAFT OPERATOR'S PERMIT.
Subdivision 1.Generally.
The commissioner must issue a watercraft operator's permit to a person 12 years of age or older who successfully completes a water safety course and written test according to section 86B.304, paragraph (a), or who provides proof of completing a program subject to a reciprocity agreement or certified by the commissioner as substantially similar.
Subd. 2.Issuing permit to certain young operators.
The commissioner may issue a permit under this section to a person who is at least 11 years of age, but the permit is not valid until the person becomes an adult operator.
Subd. 3.Personal possession required.
(a) A person who is required to have a watercraft operator's permit must have in personal possession:
(1) a valid watercraft operator's permit;
(2) a driver's license that has a valid watercraft operator's permit indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 20; or
(3) an identification card that has a valid watercraft operator's permit indicator issued under section 171.07, subdivision 20.
(b) A person who is required to have a watercraft operator's permit must display one of the documents described in paragraph (a) to a conservation officer or peace officer upon request.
Subd. 4.Using electronic device to display proof of permit.
If a person uses an electronic device to display a document described in subdivision 3 to a conservation officer or peace officer:
(1) the officer is immune from liability for any damage to the device, unless the officer does not exercise due care in handling the device; and
(2) this does not constitute consent for the officer to access other contents on the device.
History:
NOTE: This section, as added by Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 4, section 24, is effective July 1, 2025. Laws 2023, chapter 60, article 4, section 24, the effective date.
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes