BOAT NUMBERING - LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Beginning January 1, 2000, the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks began strictly enforcing the Coast Guard’s boat numbering requirements. The requirements are straightforward and are very important for safety, vessel identification and law enforcement. Please take a minute to read the following explanation and requirements.

History

Years ago, a uniform boat numbering system was developed and adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard. The system provided a nationwide plan for numbering boats in a consistent manner. Like other states, South Dakota incorporated that system into state law.

Much like license plates for your car or pickup, the system provides accurate and prompt boat identification. That identity is necessary for safety reasons, to determine ownership and for law enforcement purposes. Prompt identification is critical in dealing with enforcement of boating laws such as reckless operation, boating in swimming zones, boating under the influence, boat accidents and numerous other situations, which require quick and accurate identification. It is not intended to be decorative.

In the 1980s, the State of South Dakota discontinued the distribution of boat numbers. Since that time, however, there has been a gradual decline in the readability of boat numbers. The Department of Game, Fish and Parks is strictly enforcing the boat numbering system, which includes number placement, size, font and color. Below are guidelines that must be followed.

Requirements

Boat identification numbers must be at least three inches in height and be comprised of 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 will be subject to fines.  Boat numbers that are illegible due to size, non-contrasting colors or any other reason may require replacement.

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

Thanks!

We at the Department of Game, Fish and Parks hope you can understand the importance of proper boat numbering. This information is intended as a reminder. Please pass along the information to someone who is not in current compliance with the regulation. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to contact our office any time at:

Department of Game, Fish & Parks
523 E. Capitol Ave.
Pierre, SD 57501-3182
(605) 773-3485