BOATING REGULATIONS

• Go online to South Dakota Handbook of Boating Laws and Responsibilities
• Click here to page down to Required Safety Equipment

BOAT NUMBERING

According to state law, boat identification numbers comprise the letters "SD" followed by a group of three numbers, which are then followed by two letters. The owner must permanently and securely display the numbers on each side of the forward part of the motorboat so that the numbers are clearly visible and readable at a distance of 100 feet on a clear day, without the aid of a magnifying device, when the motorboat is in the water. The numbers displayed must be a plain block design, upper case and measure at least 3 inches in height.

The numbers must be a color that contrasts with the color of the vessel and be placed to read from left to right. There is no fixed formula for what constitutes contrasting colors, but blue on black, black on blue, brown on black, black on dark red, etc., are not contrasting to the degree that they can be clearly read from 100 feet. The choices need to be dark letters on light colored boats or light letters on dark boats. In addition, a space equal to one letter or number must be left between the letters "SD" and the group of three numbers and the final group of letters. Annual or three-year number validation decals must be displayed adjacent to the numbers on motorized vessels or on each side of the forward part of the vessel on non-motorized vessels and must be readily visible. No numbers or letters other than the assigned identification numbers may appear on the forward part of the vessel.

Spelling out words or letters of the assigned number, as in using the script "South Dakota" instead of "SD" is not permitted by either federal or state law. The South Dakota Tourism logo may be displayed elsewhere on a boat, but not as part of the assigned boat number. Decorative print styles that deviate significantly from "plain block design" are also prohibited.

Boat numbers that do not meet these specifications are subject to fines.  Boat numbers that are illegible due to size, non-contrasting colors or any other reason may require an immediate change.

Black or white 3" plain block letters are available at many hardware stores or other outlets.

Here are some example of acceptable and unacceptable boat numberings:

SAFETY EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

    Most boats in South Dakota are Class A or Class 1. 

Class A Boats-- Boats less than 16 feet long and all canoes and kayaks must have the following safety equipment:

• A U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD for each person aboard.
• Proper lights displayed sunset to sunrise.
• One Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher of B-1 or larger unless boat construction doesn't allow explosive or flammable gases or vapors to be trapped.

Class 1 Boats -- Boats 16 to 26 feet long, except canoes and kayaks, must have the following safety equipment:

• A U.S. Coast Guard approved wearable PFD for each person aboard.
• A U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable flotation device (Type IV cushion or ring buoy)
• One Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher of B-1 or larger unless boat construction doesn't allow explosive or flammable gases or vapors to be trapped.
• Proper lights displayed sunset to sunrise.
• A whistle or other sound-producing mechanical device capable of a two-second blast audible for at least one-half mile.

Youths -- Owners of boat propelled by a motor over 6 horsepower may not allow youths under 12 years of age to operate the boat unless accompanied by a person at least 18 years old.

**Boat operators, when operating at greater than no-wake speed, are required to assure that each child under seven years of age on board, is wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket unless the child is within a cabin or below deck.

Accident Reporting -- After an accident, a boat operator must IMMEDIATELY give notice by the quickest means of communication available to the nearest Conservation Officer or other peace officer. In the event the operator is incapable of providing such notice, then another occupant of the boat involved in the accident must provide notification of the accident.