Title and Registration

• To register a boat, one must receive a certification of ownership and apply for a certificate of registration. Once the treasurer's office has received all necessary information and fees, a certificate will be issued, which must be kept on the vessel at all times.
  
  

Personal Floatation Devices

• According to Montana state law, all personal flotation devices (PFDs) must be Coast Guard approved, in good condition, and readily available. Children under 12 must wear a PFD on boats less than 26 feet and while in motion; everyone on board a personal watercraft must don one as well. Meanwhile, anyone towed behind a boat must also wear a PFD.
  
  

Noise Limitations

• According to Montana state law, any boat in excess of 86 decibels measured at a distance of 50 feet is in violation. When idle, meanwhile, exhaust noise may not exceed 90 decibels. On top of state law, some Montana lakes are even more restrictive in terms of noise limitations. Please consult a ranger at any Montana lake to receive their specific noise rules and regulations.
  
  

Discharge

• Montana state laws say it is illegal to discharge any refuse matter, including trash and oil, into Montana water. Plus, all boats with toilets on board must have a method to collect and contain all waste products for future discharge.
  
  

Boater Age Requirements

• Teens 13 and 14 are not allowed to operate a boat in Montana waters without possessing a valid Montana motorboat operator's certificate or proof of completion of an approved boater safety course, or unless they are with an adult age 18 or older. Also, children 12 or younger may not operate a boat greater than 10 horsepower, unless accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. In addition, one must be 18 to rent a boat with greater than 10 horsepower.
  
  

Speed Limits

• In Montana, boat speed limits vary by areas and conditions. When there is no speed limit posted, one must act reasonably and so as not to cause damage or harm to others. Please consult a ranger at specific lakes for further information on specific speed limits, as these vary from lake to lake.
  
  

Boating under the Influence

• By Montana state law, it is illegal to operate or be in control of a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. A person with a blood alcohol concentration of .08% of greater is considered under the influence of alcohol, and on-site sobriety tests are routinely performed by water enforcement officers.