KANSAS BOATING AND ALCOHOL LAWS

It is illegal to operate any boat on Kansas’ waterways while they are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination thereof.

In Kansas, a person is considered to be under the influence if:

• They are under the influence of alcohol to a degree that they are incapable of operating safely.
• They are under the influence of any controlled substance, any other drug, or any combination of alcohol, controlled substance, or drugs that renders them incapable of operating safely.
• They have a Breath or Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of 0.08% or higher at the time or within 2 hours after the person operated or attempted to operate the boat.
• They are a minor (under 21 years of age) and they have a BAC level of 0.02% or higher at the time or within 2 hours after the person operated or attempted to operate the boat.

FINES AND PENALTIES

In Kansas, a person convicted of operating a boat while under the influence will be subject to the following penalties:

First conviction:

• Imprisonment for up to 1 year and/or a fine up to $500.

Second or subsequent conviction:

• Imprisonment for a minimum of 90 days and up to 1 year and, in the court’s discretion, a fine of not less than $100 nor more than $500.

PENALTIES FOR MINORS

A person less than 21 years of age who has a BAC of 0.02% or greater but less than 0.08% will have their boating privileges suspended for 30 days, upon a first conviction. Boating privileges may be suspended for up to 90 days upon a second or subsequent conviction. 

KANSAS BOAT REGISTRATION

In order to legally operate a motorized boat or sailboat in the state of Kansas, you must obtain a Certificate of Number (registration card) and validation decals. The Certificate of Number must be carried on board and be available for inspection by an enforcement officer during boat operation.

Sailboards, stand up paddleboards, personal watercraft (PWCs), kayaks, and canoes are considered boats in the state of Kansas.

You can register your boat online, by mail, or in person. For new or re-issued boat registration, an application form is available to download at www.ksoutdoors.com or from the nearest marine dealer, county clerk’s office, or Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) State Park or office. Fill out the application completely and mail it along with the required documents and fee.

Exemptions:

• Boats without any kind of motor or sail (human-powered boats).
• Boats which have been registered in another state, and are using Kansas waters for 60 consecutive days or less.

REGISTRATION RENEWAL

Boat owners can register their boat in person at a State Park, a Regional Office or with a Boat Registration Agent. Kansas boat registration is valid for a period of 3 years. Renewal notices are mailed prior to the expiration date. If you’ve had a change of address or have not received a renewal notice by mail, please contact Boating Registration at the KDWP, Pratt Operation office.

DO I NEED BOAT INSURANCE IN KANSAS?

Boats in Kansas are not required to be insured, however it is recommended.

Boats in Kansas are required to correctly display their registration number and validations stickers. 

Registration numbers and stickers must be displayed as follows:

• The numbers must be applied as a decal, painted or permanently affixed to each side of the boat’s bow (boat owners are not permitted to display any other numbers in this area).
• The numbers must be in bold block letters that are at least 3 inches high and in a color that contrasts with the color of the boat.
• The numbers must be separated from the letters by a hyphen or by an equivalent space.
• The numbers must be read from left to right.
• Validation decals must be affixed on both sides of the boat and placed 3 inches aft of the numbers.

Note: Sailboards do not require registration numbers to be displayed. However, the decal must be attached to the front half of the top of the sailboard.

RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT BOAT OPERATION 

It is illegal in the state of Kansas to operate any boat or to manipulate any water-skis, aquaplane or similar device in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person.

Examples of reckless or negligent operation include:

• Operating within 200 feet of a designated swimming area.
• Weaving through congested traffic at more than idle speed.
• Jumping the wake of another boat when unreasonably close to the other boat.  
• Waiting until the last possible moment to swerve to avoid a collision.
• Creating a hazardous wake.
• Towing a waterskier in a restricted area or where an obstruction exists.
• Operating a boat in violation of buoy restrictions.
• Failing to observe the navigation rules.

Note: Only a motorized boat used for fishing may be operated in a mooring or launching non-boating area.

SPEED RESTRICTIONS

• Motorized boats on state lakes must be operated at ‘No Wake’ speed if they are required by posted notice.
• Boats can not be operated within 200 feet of any area posted specifically for swimming and delineated by buoys or other markers.
• Boats shall be operated at ‘No Wake’ speeds within 200 feet of a boat ramp, boat dock, boat storage or concessionaire’s facilities.

NON-NATIVE AQUATIC SPECIES

Non-native aquatic species, plants, fish and animals are invading Kansas  waters. These pests can increase dramatically under the right conditions, displacing native species, clogging waterways, and impacting navigation and recreation.

Once introduced, they are nearly impossible to eliminate, and can be accidentally transported by recreational boaters when caught in propellers, intakes or attached to hulls. 

Be sure to report new infestations of non-native aquatic species to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (209) 946-6400 or report to Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF NON-NATIVE SPECIES

• Inspect all surfaces of your boat and remove aquatic plants or animals before leaving any body of water.
• Ensure you flush raw-water cooling systems and clean sea-strainers before moving your boat from one body of water to another.
• Empty and dry any buckets before leaving a body of water. 
• Remove any plant fragments from bait wells, fishing gear, trailers, dive gear or props. 
• Dispose of plant fragments and bait into a garbage receptacle on land.  
• Avoid chopping vegetation with your boat’s propeller.
• Clean and dry all live-wells prior to transporting your boat.
• Drain all water from your motor and bilge and dry all areas. t.
• Thoroughly wash your boat, including the hull, before putting it into a new body of water.
• Refer to specific drying times.