625 ILCS 45/ Boat Registration and Safety Act.

Information maintained by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Updating the database of the Illinois Compiled Statutes (ILCS) is an ongoing process. Recent laws may not yet be included in the ILCS database, but they are found on this site as Public Acts soon after they become law. For information concerning the relationship between statutes and Public Acts, refer to the Guide.

Because the statute database is maintained primarily for legislative drafting purposes, statutory changes are sometimes included in the statute database before they take effect. If the source note at the end of a Section of the statutes includes a Public Act that has not yet taken effect, the version of the law that is currently in effect may have already been removed from the database and you should refer to that Public Act to see the changes made to the current law.

VEHICLES
(625 ILCS 45/) Boat Registration and Safety Act.

625 ILCS 45/Art. V

    (625 ILCS 45/Art. V heading) ARTICLE V. OPERATION OF MOTORBOATS

625 ILCS 45/5-1
    (625 ILCS 45/5-1) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-1)
    Sec. 5-1. Careless operation. No person shall operate any watercraft in a careless or heedless manner so as to endanger any person or property or at a rate of speed greater than will permit him in the exercise of reasonable care to bring the watercraft to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
(Source: P.A. 85-149.)

625 ILCS 45/5-2
    (625 ILCS 45/5-2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-2)
    Sec. 5-2. Reckless operation.
    (a) No person shall operate any watercraft, specialty prop-craft, personal watercraft or manipulate any water skis, aquaplane, or similar device in such a manner as to willfully or wantonly endanger the life, limb or property of any person, to weave through congested traffic, to jump the wake of another vessel unreasonably or unnecessarily close to the other vessel or when visibility around the other vessel is obstructed, to wait until the last possible moment to swerve to avoid collision, or operate any watercraft so as to approach or pass another watercraft in such a manner or at such a rate of speed as to create a hazardous wake or wash.
    (b) A person convicted of committing a violation of this Section shall be guilty of aggravated reckless operation of a watercraft if the violation of this Section resulted in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement of another, when the violation was a proximate cause of the injuries.
(Source: P.A. 93-782, eff. 1-1-05.)

625 ILCS 45/5-3
    (625 ILCS 45/5-3) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-3)
    Sec. 5-3. Interference with navigation.
    (a) No person shall operate any watercraft in a manner which unreasonably or unnecessarily interferes with other watercraft or with the free and proper navigation of the waterways of the State.
    (b) A vessel engaged in fishing shall not impede the passage of any other vessel navigating within a narrow channel or canal.
    (c) A vessel nearing a bend or an area of a narrow channel or canal where other vessels may be obscured by an intervening obstruction shall navigate with alertness and caution and shall sound the appropriate audible signal as required by the Inland Rules as written by the United States Coast Guard and this Act.
    (d) A vessel shall avoid anchoring in a narrow channel, under bridges, or in heavily traveled channels or canals, if unreasonable under the prevailing circumstances.
(Source: P.A. 102-595, eff. 6-1-22.)

625 ILCS 45/5-4
    (625 ILCS 45/5-4) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-4)
    Sec. 5-4. Overloading.
    A. No motorboat may be loaded with passengers or cargo beyond its safe carrying capacity taking into consideration weather and other existing operating conditions. Water skiers, tubers, parasailers, or other persons towed by the motorboat shall be considered part of the total number of passengers and cargo allowed by a watercraft's capacity plate for the purpose of determining a motorboat's carrying capacity.
    B. Capacity plates.
        (1) Every vessel less than 26 feet in length,

designed to carry 2 or more persons and to be propelled by machinery as its principal source of power or designed to be propelled by oars shall, if manufactured or offered for sale in this State, have affixed permanently thereto by the manufacturer a capacity plate as required by this Section. As used in this Section, "manufacture" means to construct or assemble a vessel or alter a vessel in such manner as to change its weight capacity.
        (2) A capacity plate shall bear the following

information permanently marked thereon in such manner as to be clearly visible and legible from the position designed or normally intended to be occupied by the operator of the vessel when under way:
            a. For all vessels designed for or represented by

the manufacturer as being suitable for use with outboard motor:
                1. The total weight of persons, motor, gear

and other articles placed aboard which the vessel is capable of carrying with safety under normal conditions.
                2. The recommended number of persons

commensurate with the weight capacity of the vessel and the presumed weight in pounds of each such person. In no instance may such presumed weight per person be less than 150 pounds.
                3. Clear notice that the information

appearing on the capacity plate is applicable under normal conditions and that the weight of the outboard motor and associated equipment is considered to be part of total weight capacity.
                4. The maximum horsepower of the motor the

vessel is designed or intended to accommodate.
            b. For all other vessels to which this Section

applies:
                1. The total weight of persons, gear and

other articles placed aboard which the vessel is capable of carrying with safety under normal conditions.
                2. The recommended number of persons

commensurate with the weight capacity of the vessel and the presumed weight in pounds of each such person. In no instance shall such presumed weight per person be less than 150 pounds.
                3. Clear notice that the information

appearing on the capacity plate is applicable under normal conditions.
        (3) The information relating to maximum capacity

required to appear on capacity plates by Subsection B (2) of this Section shall be determined in accordance with such methods and formulas as shall be prescribed by rule or regulation adopted by the Department. In prescribing such methods and formulas, the Department shall be guided by and give due regard to the necessity for uniformity in methods and formulas lawful for use in determining small vessel capacity in the several states and to any methods and formulas which may be recognized or recommended by the United States Coast Guard or any agency successor thereto.
        (4) Any vessel to which this Section applies, not

having a capacity plate meeting the requirements of law affixed thereto by the manufacturer thereof, may have such affixed by any other person in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Department may prescribe and may thereafter be offered for sale in this State, but no action taken pursuant to this Section or in the manner described herein, shall relieve any manufacturer from liability for failure to comply with the requirements of this Section.
        (5) The information appearing on a capacity plate

shall be deemed to warrant that the manufacturer, or the person affixing the capacity plate is permitted by Subsection B (4) of this Section, as the case may be, has correctly and faithfully employed a method and formula for the calculation of maximum weight capacity prescribed by the Department and that the information appearing on the capacity plate with respect to maximum weight capacity and recommended number of persons is the result of the application of such method and formula, and with respect to information concerning horsepower limitations, that such information is not a deliberate or negligent misrepresentation.
        (6) If any vessel required by this Section to have a

capacity plate affixed thereto is of such design or construction as to make it impracticable or undesirable to affix such plate, the manufacturer, or other person having the responsibility for affixing the plate, may represent such impracticability or undesirability to the Department in writing. Upon determination by the Department that such representation has merit and that a proper and effective substitute for the capacity plate which will serve the same purpose is feasible, the Department may authorize such alternative compliance and such alternative compliance shall thereafter be deemed compliance with the capacity plate requirements of this Section.
        (7) The Department may by rules or regulations exempt

from the requirements of this Section vessels which it finds to be of such unconventional design or construction that the information required on capacity plates would not assist in promoting safety or is not reasonably obtainable.
        (8) The Department is authorized to issue and amend

rules and regulations to carry out the purposes of this Section.
    Failure to affix a proper capacity plate shall constitute a separate violation of this subsection B for each vessel with respect to which such failure occurs.
(Source: P.A. 98-102, eff. 7-22-13.)

625 ILCS 45/5-5
    (625 ILCS 45/5-5) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-5)
    Sec. 5-5. Incapacity of operator. The owner of any motorboat or any person having such in charge or in control shall not authorize or knowingly permit the same to be operated by any person who by reason of physical or mental disability is incapable of operating such motorboat under the prevailing circumstances.
(Source: P.A. 82-783.)

625 ILCS 45/5-6
    (625 ILCS 45/5-6) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-6)
    Sec. 5-6. Overpowering. No motorboat shall be equipped with any motor or other propulsion machinery beyond its safe power capacity taking into consideration the type and construction of such motorboat and other existing operating conditions.
(Source: P.A. 82-783.)

625 ILCS 45/5-7
    (625 ILCS 45/5-7) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-7)
    Sec. 5-7. Restricted areas. No person shall operate a watercraft within a water area that has been clearly marked by buoys or some other distinguishing device as a bathing, fishing, swimming or otherwise restricted area by the Department or a political subdivision of the State or by an owner or lessee of property in accordance with his or her rights to the use of the property, except in the manner prescribed by the buoys or other distinguishing devices. This Section shall not apply in the case of an emergency, or to patrol or rescue craft.
    No person shall operate a watercraft within 150 feet of a public launching ramp owned, operated or maintained by the Department or a political subdivision of the State at greater than a "No Wake" speed as defined in Section 5-12 of this Act. Posting of the areas by the Department or a political subdivision of the State is not required.
    The Department and other political subdivisions of the State may, within their discretion and after issuing an administrative rule in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, designate certain areas by proper signs to be bathing, fishing, swimming or otherwise restricted areas, or eliminate, alter or otherwise modify existing areas. The Department or a political subdivision of the State shall further have the authority in order to fully carry out the provisions of this Act to place signs, beacons and buoys in designated areas controlling the flow of traffic.
    It shall be unlawful for any person to deface, move, obliterate, tear down, or destroy, in whole or in part, or attempt to deface, move, obliterate, tear down or destroy any buoys or signs posted pursuant to the provisions of this Act, except as authorized by the Department.
(Source: P.A. 92-651, eff. 7-11-02.)

625 ILCS 45/5-12
    (625 ILCS 45/5-12) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-7.5)
    Sec. 5-12. A wake is defined as a movement of the water created by a boat underway great enough to disturb a boat at rest, but under no circumstances shall a boat underway exceed 5 miles per hour while in a posted "No Wake" area. "No Wake" areas shall be clearly posted with buoys or appropriate signs except as provided in Section 5-7 of this Act. All buoys or signs posting "No Wake" areas shall meet the specifications as prescribed by the United States Coast Guard or the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
(Source: P.A. 89-445, eff. 2-7-96.)

625 ILCS 45/5-13
    (625 ILCS 45/5-13) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-8)
    Sec. 5-13. Traffic rules.
    A. The area straight ahead of a vessel to the point that is 22.5 degrees beyond the middle of the vessel on the starboard side of the watercraft shall be designated the danger zone. An operator of a watercraft shall yield the right-of-way to any other watercraft occupying or entering into the danger zone that may result in collision.
    A-5. Head-on situation.
        (1) If 2 power-driven vessels are meeting head-on

or nearly head-on courses so as to involve risk of collision, each shall alter course to starboard so that each shall pass on the port side of the other.
        (2) A vessel proceeding along the course of a

narrow channel or canal shall keep as near to the outer limit of the channel or canal that lies on the starboard side as is safe and practicable.
        (3) A power-driven vessel operating in narrow

channels and proceeding downstream shall have the right-of-way over a vessel proceeding upstream. The vessel proceeding upstream shall yield as necessary to permit safe passing.
    B. Crossing. As used in this Section, "crossing" means 2 or more watercraft traveling in directions that would have the path of travel of the watercraft intersect each other.
        (1) If 2 power-driven vessels are crossing so as to

involve the risk of collision, the vessel that has the other on the starboard side shall keep out of the way and shall avoid crossing ahead of the other vessel.
        (2) A power-driven vessel crossing a river shall

keep out of the way of a power-driven vessel ascending or descending the river.
        (3) A vessel may not cross a narrow channel or

canal if the crossing impedes the passage of a vessel that can only safely navigate within the channel or canal.
    C. Overtaking.
        (1) A vessel overtaking any other shall give way to

the vessel being overtaken.
        (2) If a vessel operator is in doubt as to whether he

or she is overtaking another vessel, the operator shall assume he or she is overtaking the other vessel and shall act accordingly.
        (3) Any subsequent alteration of the bearing between

the 2 vessels shall not make the overtaking vessel a crossing vessel within the meaning of this Section or relieve the overtaking operator of the duty to keep clear of the overtaken vessel until finally past and clear.
        (4) When overtaking in a narrow channel or canal, the

operator of a power-driven vessel intending to overtake another power-driven vessel shall proceed to pass safety only after indicating his or her intention by sounding the horn as follows:
            (a) one short blast from the horn signifies a

request to pass on the overtaken vessel's starboard side;
            (b) 2 short blasts from the horn signify a

request to pass on the overtaken vessel's port side.
        (5) The operator of the power-driven vessel being

overtaken shall:
            (a) acknowledge the request by sounding the same

signal; or
            (b) sound 5 short blasts from the horn to

indicate danger or to warn the overtaking vessel not to pass.
        No response from the overtaken vessel shall be

interpreted as an indication of danger and is the same as if 5 short blasts from the horn were sounded. In the absence of an audible signal or horn, a light signal device using the appropriate number of rapid bursts of light may be used.
    D. Sailing vessels.
        (1) The operator of a power-driven vessel shall yield

the right-of-way to any nonpowered or sailing vessel unless the nonpowered vessel is overtaking the power-driven vessel or when a large craft is navigating in a confined channel, the large craft has the right-of-way over a boat propelled solely by oars or sails.
        (2) If 2 sailing vessels are approaching one another,

so as to involve risk of collision, one of them shall keep out of the way of the other as follows:
            (a) If each has the wind on a different side,

the vessel that has the wind on the port side shall give way to the other vessel.
            (b) If both have the wind on the same side, the

vessel that is to windward shall give way to the vessel that is to leeward.
            (c) If a vessel with the wind on the port side

sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or starboard side, the vessel shall give way to the other vessel.
(Source: P.A. 102-595, eff. 6-1-22.)

625 ILCS 45/5-14
    (625 ILCS 45/5-14) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-9)
    Sec. 5-14. Towing of persons.
    A. No person may operate a motorboat that has in tow or is otherwise assisting a person on water skis, an aquaplane, or a similar contrivance in or upon any waterway, unless the motorboat has a capacity of at least 3 persons and is occupied by at least 2 competent persons.
    B. No person may operate a motorboat having in tow or otherwise be assisting a person on water skis, aquaplane or similar contrivance from the period of one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. This paragraph B does not apply to motorboats used in duly authorized water ski tournaments, competitions, exhibitions or trials therefor where adequate lighting is provided.
    C. All persons operating a motorboat having in tow or otherwise assisting a person on water skis, aquaplane or similar contrivance, must be careful and prudent in their operation and keep at a reasonable distance from persons and property so as not to endanger the life or property of any person.
    D. No person may operate or manipulate any vessel, tow rope or other device by which the direction or location of water skis, aquaplane, or similar device may be affected or controlled in such a way as to cause the water skis, aquaplane, or similar device, or any persons thereon to collide with or strike against any person or object, except ski jumps, buoys and like objects normally used in competitive or recreational skiing.
    E. The operator of any watercraft that is towing a person or persons shall display on the watercraft a bright or brilliant orange flag measuring not less than 12 inches per side. The flag shall be displayed at the highest point of the area surrounding the boat's helm as to be visible from all directions, continuously, while the person or persons being towed depart the boat in preparation for towing and until reentry into the boat when the activity has ceased. Display of the flag for purposes other than the activity described in this Section is prohibited.
(Source: P.A. 98-697, eff. 1-1-15.)

625 ILCS 45/5-15
    (625 ILCS 45/5-15) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-10)
    Sec. 5-15. Regattas and races. A. The Department may authorize the holding of regattas, motorboat or other boat races on any waters of this State. It shall adopt and may, from time to time, amend regulations concerning the safety of motorboats and other vessels and persons thereon, either observers or participants. Whenever a regatta, motorboat or other boat race is proposed to be held, the person in charge thereof, shall, at least 30 days prior thereto, file an application with the Department for permission to hold such regatta, motorboat or other boat race. The application shall set forth the date, time and location where it is proposed to hold such regatta, motorboat or other boat race and it shall not be conducted without authorization of the Department in writing.
    B. When a regatta, motorboat or other boat race authorized or proposed to be authorized under subsection A of this Section is to be held on a body of water owned and operated by a unit of local government, the unit of local government may schedule those events, but only after adopting an ordinance providing for such scheduling and filing it with the Department.
    C. The provisions of this Section do not exempt any person from compliance with applicable Federal law or regulation, but nothing contained herein may be construed to require the securing of a State permit pursuant to this Section if a permit therefor has been obtained from an authorized agency of the United States.
(Source: P.A. 84-559.)

625 ILCS 45/5-16
    (625 ILCS 45/5-16)
    Sec. 5-16. Operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or combination thereof.
    (A) 1. A person shall not operate or be in actual physical control of any watercraft within this State while:
        (a) The alcohol concentration in such person's blood,

other bodily substance, or breath is a concentration at which driving a motor vehicle is prohibited under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code;
        (b) Under the influence of alcohol;
        (c) Under the influence of any other drug or

combination of drugs to a degree which renders such person incapable of safely operating any watercraft;
        (c-1) Under the influence of any intoxicating

compound or combination of intoxicating compounds to a degree that renders the person incapable of safely operating any watercraft;
        (d) Under the combined influence of alcohol and any

other drug or drugs to a degree which renders such person incapable of safely operating a watercraft;
        (d-3) The person who is not a CDL holder has a

tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance at which driving a motor vehicle is prohibited under subdivision (7) of subsection (a) of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code;
        (d-5) The person who is a CDL holder has any amount

of a drug, substance, or compound in the person's breath, blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act; or
        (e) There is any amount of a drug, substance, or

compound in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act.
    2. The fact that any person charged with violating this Section is or has been legally entitled to use alcohol, other drug or drugs, any intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination of them, shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this Section.
    3. Every person convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor, except as otherwise provided in this Section.
    4. Every person convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony if:
        (a) He or she has a previous conviction under this

Section;
        (b) The offense results in personal injury where a

person other than the operator suffers great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement, when the violation was a proximate cause of the injuries. A person guilty of a Class 4 felony under this subparagraph (b), if sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall be sentenced to a term of not less than one year nor more than 12 years; or
        (c) The offense occurred during a period in which his

or her privileges to operate a watercraft are revoked or suspended, and the revocation or suspension was for a violation of this Section or was imposed under subsection (B).
    5. Every person convicted of violating this Section shall be guilty of a Class 2 felony if the offense results in the death of a person. A person guilty of a Class 2 felony under this paragraph 5, if sentenced to a term of imprisonment, shall be sentenced to a term of not less than 3 years and not more than 14 years.
    5.1. A person convicted of violating this Section or a similar provision of a local ordinance who had a child under the age of 16 aboard the watercraft at the time of offense is subject to a mandatory minimum fine of $500 and to a mandatory minimum of 5 days of community service in a program benefiting children. The assignment under this paragraph 5.1 is not subject to suspension and the person is not eligible for probation in order to reduce the assignment.
    5.2. A person found guilty of violating this Section, if his or her operation of a watercraft while in violation of this Section proximately caused any incident resulting in an appropriate emergency response, is liable for the expense of an emergency response as provided in subsection (m) of Section 11-501 of the Illinois Vehicle Code.
    5.3. In addition to any other penalties and liabilities, a person who is found guilty of violating this Section, including any person placed on court supervision, shall be fined $100, payable to the circuit clerk, who shall distribute the money to the law enforcement agency that made the arrest or as provided in subsection (c) of Section 10-5 of the Criminal and Traffic Assessment Act if the arresting agency is a State agency, unless more than one agency is responsible for the arrest, in which case the amount shall be remitted to each unit of government equally. Any moneys received by a law enforcement agency under this paragraph 5.3 shall be used to purchase law enforcement equipment or to provide law enforcement training that will assist in the prevention of alcohol related criminal violence throughout the State. Law enforcement equipment shall include, but is not limited to, in-car video cameras, radar and laser speed detection devices, and alcohol breath testers.
    6. (a) In addition to any criminal penalties imposed, the Department of Natural Resources shall suspend the watercraft operation privileges of any person convicted or found guilty of a misdemeanor under this Section, a similar provision of a local ordinance, or Title 46 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations for a period of one year, except that a first time offender is exempt from this mandatory one year suspension.
    As used in this subdivision (A)6(a), "first time offender" means any person who has not had a previous conviction or been assigned supervision for violating this Section, a similar provision of a local ordinance or, Title 46 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, or any person who has not had a suspension imposed under subdivision (B)3.1 of Section 5-16.
    (b) In addition to any criminal penalties imposed, the Department of Natural Resources shall suspend the watercraft operation privileges of any person convicted of a felony under this Section, a similar provision of a local ordinance, or Title 46 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations for a period of 3 years.
    (B) 1. Any person who operates or is in actual physical control of any watercraft upon the waters of this State shall be deemed to have given consent to a chemical test or tests of blood, breath, other bodily substance, or urine for the purpose of determining the content of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or combination thereof in the person's blood or other bodily substance if arrested for any offense of subsection (A) above. The chemical test or tests shall be administered at the direction of the arresting officer. The law enforcement agency employing the officer shall designate which of the tests shall be administered. Up to 2 additional tests of urine or other bodily substance may be administered even after a blood or breath test or both has been administered.
    1.1. For the purposes of this Section, an Illinois Law Enforcement officer of this State who is investigating the person for any offense defined in Section 5-16 may travel into an adjoining state, where the person has been transported for medical care to complete an investigation, and may request that the person submit to the test or tests set forth in this Section. The requirements of this Section that the person be arrested are inapplicable, but the officer shall issue the person a uniform citation for an offense as defined in Section 5-16 or a similar provision of a local ordinance prior to requesting that the person submit to the test or tests. The issuance of the uniform citation shall not constitute an arrest, but shall be for the purpose of notifying the person that he or she is subject to the provisions of this Section and of the officer's belief in the existence of probable cause to arrest. Upon returning to this State, the officer shall file the uniform citation with the circuit clerk of the county where the offense was committed and shall seek the issuance of an arrest warrant or a summons for the person.
    1.2. Notwithstanding any ability to refuse under this Act to submit to these tests or any ability to revoke the implied consent to these tests, if a law enforcement officer has probable cause to believe that a watercraft operated by or under actual physical control of a person under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination of them has caused the death of or personal injury to another, that person shall submit, upon the request of a law enforcement officer, to a chemical test or tests of his or her blood, breath, other bodily substance, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcohol content or the presence of any other drug, intoxicating compound, or combination of them. For the purposes of this Section, a personal injury includes severe bleeding wounds, distorted extremities, and injuries that require the injured party to be carried from the scene for immediate professional attention in either a doctor's office or a medical facility.
    2. Any person who is dead, unconscious or who is otherwise in a condition rendering such person incapable of refusal, shall be deemed not to have withdrawn the consent provided above, and the test may be administered.
    3. A person requested to submit to a chemical test as provided above shall be verbally advised by the law enforcement officer requesting the test that a refusal to submit to the test will result in suspension of such person's privilege to operate a watercraft for a minimum of 2 years. Following this warning, if a person under arrest refuses upon the request of a law enforcement officer to submit to a test designated by the officer, no test shall be given, but the law enforcement officer shall file with the clerk of the circuit court for the county in which the arrest was made, and with the Department of Natural Resources, a sworn statement naming the person refusing to take and complete the chemical test or tests requested under the provisions of this Section. Such sworn statement shall identify the arrested person, such person's current residence address and shall specify that a refusal by such person to take the chemical test or tests was made. Such sworn statement shall include a statement that the arresting officer had reasonable cause to believe the person was operating or was in actual physical control of the watercraft within this State while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or combination thereof and that such chemical test or tests were made as an incident to and following the lawful arrest for an offense as defined in this Section or a similar provision of a local ordinance, and that the person after being arrested for an offense arising out of acts alleged to have been committed while so operating a watercraft refused to submit to and complete a chemical test or tests as requested by the law enforcement officer.
    3.1. The law enforcement officer submitting the sworn statement as provided in paragraph 3 of this subsection (B) shall serve immediate written notice upon the person refusing the chemical test or tests that the person's privilege to operate a watercraft within this State will be suspended for a period of 2 years unless, within 28 days from the date of the notice, the person requests in writing a hearing on the suspension.
    If the person desires a hearing, such person shall file a complaint in the circuit court for and in the county in which such person was arrested for such hearing. Such hearing shall proceed in the court in the same manner as other civil proceedings, shall cover only the issues of whether the person was placed under arrest for an offense as defined in this Section or a similar provision of a local ordinance as evidenced by the issuance of a uniform citation; whether the arresting officer had reasonable grounds to believe that such person was operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or combination thereof; and whether such person refused to submit and complete the chemical test or tests upon the request of the law enforcement officer. Whether the person was informed that such person's privilege to operate a watercraft would be suspended if such person refused to submit to the chemical test or tests shall not be an issue.
    If the person fails to request in writing a hearing within 28 days from the date of notice, or if a hearing is held and the court finds against the person on the issues before the court, the clerk shall immediately notify the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department shall suspend the watercraft operation privileges of the person for at least 2 years.
    3.2. If the person is a CDL holder and submits to a test that discloses an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or any amount of a drug, substance or intoxicating compound in the person's breath, blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, the law enforcement officer shall immediately submit a sworn report to the circuit clerk of venue and the Department of Natural Resources, certifying that the test or tests were requested under paragraph 1 of this subsection (B) and the person submitted to testing that disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more or any amount of a drug, substance or intoxicating compound in the person's breath, blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act. If the person is not a CDL holder and submits to a test that discloses an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection (a) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or any amount of a drug, substance or intoxicating compound in the person's breath, blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use of a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, the law enforcement officer shall immediately submit a sworn report to the circuit clerk of venue and the Department of Natural Resources, certifying that the test or tests were requested under paragraph 1 of this subsection (B) and the person submitted to testing that disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection (a) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or any amount of a drug, substance or intoxicating compound in the person's breath, blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use of a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act.
    In cases involving a person who is a CDL holder where the blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater or any amount of drug, substance or compound resulting from the unlawful use of cannabis, a controlled substance, methamphetamine, or an intoxicating compound is established by a subsequent analysis of blood, other bodily substance, or urine collected at the time of arrest, the arresting officer or arresting agency shall immediately submit a sworn report to the circuit clerk of venue and the Department of Natural Resources upon receipt of the test results. In cases involving a person who is not a CDL holder where the blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or greater, a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection (a) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or any amount of drug, substance, or compound resulting from the unlawful use of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, or an intoxicating compound is established by a subsequent analysis of blood, other bodily substance, or urine collected at the time of arrest, the arresting officer or arresting agency shall immediately submit a sworn report to the circuit clerk of venue and the Department of Natural Resources upon receipt of the test results.
    4. A person must submit to each chemical test offered by the law enforcement officer in order to comply with the implied consent provisions of this Section.
    5. The provisions of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, as amended, concerning the certification and use of chemical tests apply to the use of such tests under this Section.
    (C) Upon the trial of any civil or criminal action or proceeding arising out of acts alleged to have been committed by any person while operating a watercraft while under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or combination thereof, the concentration of alcohol, drug, or compound in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or breath at the time alleged as shown by analysis of a person's blood, urine, breath, or other bodily substance shall give rise to the presumptions specified in subdivisions 1, 2, and 3 of subsection (b) and subsection (b-5) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The foregoing provisions of this subsection (C) shall not be construed as limiting the introduction of any other relevant evidence bearing upon the question whether the person was under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or a combination thereof.
    (D) If a person under arrest refuses to submit to a chemical test under the provisions of this Section, evidence of refusal shall be admissible in any civil or criminal action or proceeding arising out of acts alleged to have been committed while the person under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or combination of them was operating a watercraft.
    (E) The owner of any watercraft or any person given supervisory authority over a watercraft, may not knowingly permit a watercraft to be operated by any person under the influence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or combination thereof.
    (F) Whenever any person is convicted or found guilty of a violation of this Section, including any person placed on court supervision, the court shall notify the Office of Law Enforcement of the Department of Natural Resources, to provide the Department with the records essential for the performance of the Department's duties to monitor and enforce any order of suspension or revocation concerning the privilege to operate a watercraft.
    (G) No person who has been arrested and charged for violating paragraph 1 of subsection (A) of this Section shall operate any watercraft within this State for a period of 24 hours after such arrest.
(Source: P.A. 102-145, eff. 7-23-21.)

625 ILCS 45/5-16a
    (625 ILCS 45/5-16a) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-11a)
    Sec. 5-16a. Admissibility of chemical tests of blood, other bodily substance, or urine conducted in the regular course of providing emergency medical treatment.
    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the written results of blood, other bodily substance, or urine alcohol and drug tests conducted upon persons receiving medical treatment in a hospital emergency room are admissible in evidence as a business record exception to the hearsay rule only in prosecutions for any violation of Section 5-16 of this Act or a similar provision of a local ordinance or in prosecutions for reckless homicide brought under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, when:
        (1) the chemical tests performed upon an individual's

blood, other bodily substance, or urine were ordered in the regular course of providing emergency treatment and not at the request of law enforcement authorities; and
        (2) the chemical tests performed upon an individual's

blood, other bodily substance, or urine were performed by the laboratory routinely used by the hospital.
    Results of chemical tests performed upon an individual's blood, other bodily substance, or urine are admissible into evidence regardless of the time that the records were prepared.
    (b) The confidentiality provisions of law pertaining to medical records and medical treatment shall not be applicable with regard to chemical tests performed upon an individual's blood, other bodily substance, or urine under the provisions of this Section in prosecutions as specified in subsection (a) of this Section. No person shall be liable for civil damages as a result of the evidentiary use of the results of chemical testing of an individual's blood, other bodily substance, or urine under this Section or as a result of that person's testimony made available under this Section.
(Source: P.A. 99-697, eff. 7-29-16.)

625 ILCS 45/5-16a.1
    (625 ILCS 45/5-16a.1)
    Sec. 5-16a.1. Reporting of test results of blood, other bodily substance, or urine conducted in the regular course of providing emergency medical treatment.
    (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the results of blood, other bodily substance, or urine tests performed for the purpose of determining the content of alcohol, other drug or drugs, intoxicating compound or compounds, or any combination of them in an individual's blood, other bodily substance, or urine, conducted upon persons receiving medical treatment in a hospital emergency room for injuries resulting from a boating accident, shall be disclosed to the Department of Natural Resources or local law enforcement agencies of jurisdiction, upon request. The blood, other bodily substance, or urine tests are admissible in evidence as a business record exception to the hearsay rule only in prosecutions for violations of Section 5-16 of this Code or a similar provision of a local ordinance, or in prosecutions for reckless homicide brought under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.
    (b) The confidentiality provisions of the law pertaining to medical records and medical treatment shall not be applicable with regard to tests performed upon an individual's blood, other bodily substance, or urine under the provisions of subsection (a) of this Section. No person is liable for civil damages or professional discipline as a result of disclosure or reporting of the tests or the evidentiary use of an individual's blood, other bodily substance, or urine test results under this Section or Section 5-16a, or as a result of that person's testimony made available under this Section or Section 5-16a, except for willful or wanton misconduct.
(Source: P.A. 99-697, eff. 7-29-16.)

625 ILCS 45/5-16b
    (625 ILCS 45/5-16b) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-11b)
    Sec. 5-16b. Preliminary breath screening test. If a law enforcement officer has reasonable suspicion to believe that a person is violating or has violated Section 5-16 or a similar provision of a local ordinance, the officer, prior to an arrest, may request the person to provide a sample of his or her breath for a preliminary breath screening test using a portable device approved by the Illinois State Police. The results of this preliminary breath screening test may be used by the law enforcement officer for the purpose of assisting with the determination of whether to require a chemical test as authorized under Section 5-16 and the appropriate type of test to request. Any chemical test authorized under Section 5-16 may be requested by the officer regardless of the result of the preliminary breath screening test if probable cause for an arrest exists. The result of a preliminary breath screening test may be used by the defendant as evidence in any administrative or court proceeding involving a violation of Section 5-16.
(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

625 ILCS 45/5-16c
    (625 ILCS 45/5-16c)
    Sec. 5-16c. Operator involvement in personal injury or fatal boating accident; chemical tests.
    (a) Any person who operates or is in actual physical control of a motorboat within this State and who has been involved in a personal injury or fatal boating accident shall be deemed to have given consent to a breath test using a portable device as approved by the Illinois State Police or to a chemical test or tests of blood, breath, other bodily substance, or urine for the purpose of determining the content of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds of the person's blood if arrested as evidenced by the issuance of a uniform citation for a violation of the Boat Registration and Safety Act or a similar provision of a local ordinance, with the exception of equipment violations contained in Article IV of this Act or similar provisions of local ordinances. The test or tests shall be administered at the direction of the arresting officer. The law enforcement agency employing the officer shall designate which of the aforesaid tests shall be administered. Up to 2 additional tests of urine or other bodily substance may be administered even after a blood or breath test or both has been administered. Compliance with this Section does not relieve the person from the requirements of any other Section of this Act.
    (b) Any person who is dead, unconscious, or who is otherwise in a condition rendering that person incapable of refusal shall be deemed not to have withdrawn the consent provided by subsection (a) of this Section. In addition, if an operator of a motorboat is receiving medical treatment as a result of a boating accident, any physician licensed to practice medicine, licensed physician assistant, licensed advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, or a phlebotomist acting under the direction of a licensed physician shall withdraw blood for testing purposes to ascertain the presence of alcohol, other drug or drugs, or intoxicating compound or compounds, upon the specific request of a law enforcement officer. However, this testing shall not be performed until, in the opinion of the medical personnel on scene, the withdrawal can be made without interfering with or endangering the well-being of the patient.
    (c) A person who is a CDL holder requested to submit to a test under subsection (a) of this Section shall be warned by the law enforcement officer requesting the test that a refusal to submit to the test, or submission to the test resulting in an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act as detected in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or urine, may result in the suspension of the person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle and may result in the disqualification of the person's privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle, as provided in Section 6-514 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. A person who is not a CDL holder requested to submit to a test under subsection (a) of this Section shall be warned by the law enforcement officer requesting the test that a refusal to submit to the test, or submission to the test resulting in an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection (a) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act as detected in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or urine, may result in the suspension of the person's privilege to operate a motor vehicle. The length of the suspension shall be the same as outlined in Section 6-208.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code regarding statutory summary suspensions.
    (d) If the person is a CDL holder and refuses testing or submits to a test which discloses an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, the law enforcement officer shall immediately submit a sworn report to the Secretary of State on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, certifying that the test or tests were requested under subsection (a) of this Section and the person refused to submit to a test or tests or submitted to testing which disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or urine, resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act. If the person is not a CDL holder and refuses testing or submits to a test which discloses an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection (a) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound in the person's blood, other bodily substance, or urine resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, the law enforcement officer shall immediately submit a sworn report to the Secretary of State on a form prescribed by the Secretary of State, certifying that the test or tests were requested under subsection (a) of this Section and the person refused to submit to a test or tests or submitted to testing which disclosed an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection (a) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound in the person's blood or urine, resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.
    Upon receipt of the sworn report of a law enforcement officer, the Secretary of State shall enter the suspension and disqualification to the person's driving record and the suspension and disqualification shall be effective on the 46th day following the date notice of the suspension was given to the person.
    The law enforcement officer submitting the sworn report shall serve immediate notice of this suspension on the person and this suspension and disqualification shall be effective on the 46th day following the date notice was given.
    In cases involving a person who is a CDL holder where the blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of cannabis listed in the Cannabis Control Act, a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, is established by a subsequent analysis of blood, other bodily substance, or urine collected at the time of arrest, the arresting officer shall give notice as provided in this Section or by deposit in the United States mail of this notice in an envelope with postage prepaid and addressed to the person at his or her address as shown on the uniform citation and the suspension and disqualification shall be effective on the 46th day following the date notice was given. In cases involving a person who is not a CDL holder where the blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more, a tetrahydrocannabinol concentration in the person's whole blood or other bodily substance as defined in paragraph 6 of subsection (a) of Section 11-501.2 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, or any amount of a drug, substance, or intoxicating compound resulting from the unlawful use or consumption of a controlled substance listed in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, an intoxicating compound listed in the Use of Intoxicating Compounds Act, or methamphetamine as listed in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, is established by a subsequent analysis of blood, other bodily substance, or urine collected at the time of arrest, the arresting officer shall give notice as provided in this Section or by deposit in the United States mail of this notice in an envelope with postage prepaid and addressed to the person at his or her address as shown on the uniform citation and the suspension shall be effective on the 46th day following the date notice was given.
    Upon receipt of the sworn report of a law enforcement officer, the Secretary of State shall also give notice of the suspension and disqualification to the person by mailing a notice of the effective date of the suspension and disqualification to the person. However, should the sworn report be defective by not containing sufficient information or be completed in error, the notice of the suspension and disqualification shall not be mailed to the person or entered to the driving record, but rather the sworn report shall be returned to the issuing law enforcement agency.
    (e) A person may contest this suspension of his or her driving privileges and disqualification of his or her CDL privileges by requesting an administrative hearing with the Secretary of State in accordance with Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. At the conclusion of a hearing held under Section 2-118 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, the Secretary of State may rescind, continue, or modify the orders of suspension and disqualification. If the Secretary of State does not rescind the orders of suspension and disqualification, a restricted driving permit may be granted by the Secretary of State upon application being made and good cause shown. A restricted driving permit may be granted to relieve undue hardship to allow driving for employment, educational, and medical purposes as outlined in Section 6-206 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. The provisions of Section 6-206 of the Illinois Vehicle Code shall apply. In accordance with 49 C.F.R. 384, the Secretary of State may not issue a restricted driving permit for the operation of a commercial motor vehicle to a person holding a CDL whose driving privileges have been suspended, revoked, cancelled, or disqualified.
    (f) For the purposes of this Section, a personal injury shall include any type A injury as indicated on the accident report completed by a law enforcement officer that requires immediate professional attention in a doctor's office or a medical facility. A type A injury shall include severely bleeding wounds, distorted extremities, and injuries that require the injured party to be carried from the scene.
(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

625 ILCS 45/5-17
    (625 ILCS 45/5-17) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-12)
    Sec. 5-17. The Department is authorized and empowered to establish a system of regulatory aids on the waters of the State in accordance with United States Coast Guard specifications and as recommended by the Coast Guard as a uniform waterway marking system.
(Source: P.A. 82-783.)

625 ILCS 45/5-18
    (625 ILCS 45/5-18) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-13)
    Sec. 5-18. (a) Beginning on January 1, 2016, no person born on or after January 1, 1998, unless exempted by subsection (i), shall operate a motorboat with over 10 horse power unless that person has a valid Boating Safety Certificate issued by the Department of Natural Resources or an entity or organization recognized and approved by the Department.
    (b) No person under 10 years of age may operate a motorboat.
    (c) Prior to January 1, 2016, persons at least 10 years of age and less than 12 years of age may operate a motorboat with over 10 horse power only if they are accompanied on the motorboat and under the direct control of a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian. Beginning on January 1, 2016, persons at least 10 years of age and less than 12 years of age may operate a motorboat with over 10 horse power only if the person is under the direct on-board supervision of a parent or guardian who meets the requirements of subsection (a) or a person at least 18 years of age who meets the requirements of subsection (a) and is designated by a parent or guardian.
    (d) Prior to January 1, 2016, persons at least 12 years of age and less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat with over 10 horse power only if they are accompanied on the motorboat and under the direct control of a parent or guardian or a person at least 18 years of age designated by a parent or guardian, or the motorboat operator is in possession of a Boating Safety Certificate issued by the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Law Enforcement, authorizing the holder to operate motorboats. Beginning on January 1, 2016, persons at least 12 years and less than 18 years of age may operate a motorboat with over 10 horse power only if the person meets the requirements of subsection (a) or is under the direct on-board supervision of a parent or guardian who meets the requirements of subsection (a) or a person at least 18 years of age who meets the requirements of subsection (a) and is designated by a parent or guardian.
    (e) Beginning January 1, 2016, the owner of a motorboat or a person given supervisory authority over a motorboat shall not permit a motorboat with over 10 horse power to be operated by a person who does not meet the Boating Safety Certificate requirements of this Section.
    (f) Licensed boat liveries shall offer abbreviated operating and safety instruction covering core boat safety rules to all renters, unless the renter can demonstrate compliance with the Illinois Boating Safety Certificate requirements of this Section, or is exempt under subsection (i) of this Section. A person who completes abbreviated operating and safety instruction may operate a motorboat rented from the livery providing the abbreviated operating and safety instruction without having a Boating Safety Certificate for up to one year from the date of instruction. The Department shall adopt rules to implement this subsection.
    (g) Violations.
        (1) A person who is operating a motorboat with over

10 horse power and is required to have a valid Boating Safety Certificate under the provisions of this Section shall present the certificate to a law enforcement officer upon request. Failure of the person to present the certificate upon request is a petty offense.
        (2) A person who provides false or fictitious

information in an application for a Boating Safety Certificate; or who alters, forges, counterfeits, or falsifies a Boating Safety Certificate; or who possesses a Boating Safety Certificate that has been altered, forged, counterfeited, or falsified is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
        (3) A person who loans or permits his or her Boating

Safety Certificate to be used by another person or who operates a motorboat with over 10 horse power using a Boating Safety Certificate that has not been issued to that person is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
        (4) A violation of this Section done with the

knowledge of a parent or guardian shall be deemed a violation by the parent or guardian and punishable under Section 11A-1.
    (h) The Department of Natural Resources shall establish a program of instruction on boating safety, laws, regulations and administrative laws, and any other subject matter which might be related to the subject of general boat safety. The program shall be conducted by instructors certified by the Department of Natural Resources. The course of instruction for persons certified to teach boating safety shall be not less than 8 hours in length, and the Department shall have the authority to revoke the certification of any instructor who has demonstrated his inability to conduct courses on the subject matter. The Department of Natural Resources shall develop and provide a method for students to complete the program online. Students satisfactorily completing a program of not less than 8 hours in length shall receive a certificate of safety from the Department of Natural Resources. The Department may cooperate with schools, online vendors, private clubs and other organizations in offering boating safety courses throughout the State of Illinois.
    The Department shall issue certificates of boating safety to persons 10 years of age or older successfully completing the prescribed course of instruction and passing such tests as may be prescribed by the Department. The Department may charge each person who enrolls in a course of instruction a fee not to exceed $5. If a fee is authorized by the Department, the Department shall authorize instructors conducting such courses meeting standards established by it to charge for the rental of facilities or for the cost of materials utilized in the course. Fees retained by the Department shall be utilized to defray a part of its expenses to operate the safety and accident reporting programs of the Department.
    (i) A Boating Safety Certificate is not required by:
        (1) a person who possesses a valid United States

Coast Guard commercial vessel operator's license or a marine certificate issued by the Canadian government;
        (2) a person employed by the United States, this

State, another state, or a subdivision thereof while in performance of his or her official duties;
        (3) a person who is not a resident, is temporarily

using the waters of this State for a period not to exceed 90 days, and meets any applicable boating safety education requirements of his or her state of residency or possesses a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card;
        (4) a person who is a resident of this State who has

met the applicable boating safety education requirements of another state or possesses a Canadian Pleasure Craft Operator's Card;
        (5) a person who has assumed operation of the

motorboat due to the illness or physical impairment of the operator, and is returning the motorboat or personal watercraft to shore in order to provide assistance or care for that operator;
        (6) a person who is registered as a commercial

fisherman or a person who is under the onboard direct supervision of the commercial fisherman while operating the commercial fisherman's vessel;
        (7) a person who is serving or has qualified as a

surface warfare officer or enlisted surface warfare specialist in the United States Navy;
        (8) a person who has assumed operation of the

motorboat for the purpose of completing a watercraft safety course approved by the Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, or the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators;
        (9) a person using only an electric motor to propel

the motorboat;
        (10) a person operating a motorboat on private

property;
        (11) a person over the age of 12 years who holds a

valid certificate issued by another state, a province of the Dominion of Canada, the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadron need not obtain a certificate from the Department if the course content of the program in such other state, province or organization substantially meets that established by the Department under this Section. A certificate issued by the Department or by another state, province of the Dominion of Canada or approved organization shall not constitute an operator's license, but shall certify only that the student has successfully passed a course in boating safety instruction; or
        (12) a person who is temporarily using the waters

of this State for the purpose of participating in a boat racing event sanctioned by the Department of Natural Resources or authorized federal agency. The organizer or holder of the sanctioned event shall possess liability insurance for property damage and bodily injury or death with a minimum benefit of $1,000,000 that shall remain in effect through the entirety of the event.
    (j) The Department of Natural Resources shall adopt rules necessary to implement this Section. The Department of Natural Resources shall consult and coordinate with the boating public, professional organizations for recreational boating safety, and the boating retail, leasing, and dealer business community in the adoption of these rules.
(Source: P.A. 98-698, eff. 1-1-15; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15; 99-526, eff. 7-8-16.)

625 ILCS 45/5-19
    (625 ILCS 45/5-19) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-14)
    Sec. 5-19. Skin diving.
    (A) 1. No person may engage in underwater diving or swimming with the use of swimming fins or skin diving in waters other than marked swimming areas or within 150 feet of shoreline.
    2. No person may engage in underwater diving or swimming with the use of self-contained underwater breathing apparatus in waters other than marked swimming areas, unless the location of such diving or swimming is distinctly marked by a diver's flag, not less than 12 inches high and 15 inches long, displaying one diagonal white stripe 3 inches wide on a red background, and of a height above the water so as to be clearly apparent at a distance of 100 yards under normal conditions, and so designed and displayed as to be visible from any point on the horizon.
    3. Except in case of emergency, anyone engaging in such diving or swimming shall not rise to the surface outside of a radius of 50 feet from such flag.
    4. No person engaged in such diving or swimming shall interfere with the operation of anyone fishing, nor engage in such diving or swimming in established traffic lanes; nor shall any person acting alone, or with another, intentionally or unintentionally block or obstruct any boat in any manner from proceeding to its destination where a reasonable alternative is unavailable. A reasonable alternative route is available when the otherwise unobstructed boat can proceed to its destination without reducing its lawful speed, by passing to the right or to the left of a marked diving operation.
    (B) An alternate flag recognized and approved by the United States Coast Guard may be substituted for the flag required in subsection (A)2 of this Section.
    (C) No watercraft shall be operated within 150 feet of a diving flag except for watercraft directly associated with that diving activity.
(Source: P.A. 90-655, eff. 7-30-98.)

625 ILCS 45/5-20
    (625 ILCS 45/5-20)
    Sec. 5-20. Unlawful operation at night. Beginning July 1, 1994, no person shall operate a personal watercraft or a specialty prop craft between the hours of sunset and sunrise.
(Source: P.A. 88-524; 88-670, eff. 12-2-94.)

625 ILCS 45/5-21
    (625 ILCS 45/5-21)
    Sec. 5-21. Passenger location. No person operating a motorboat shall allow a person in the motorboat to ride or sit on the gunwales, tops of seat backs, or on the decking over the bow or stern of the motorboat while the motorboat is underway, unless the person is inboard of guards or rails provided on the motorboat to prevent passengers from being lost overboard.
    Nothing in this Section shall be construed to prohibit entry upon the decking over the bow or stern of the motorboat for the purpose of anchoring, mooring, or casting off or some other necessary purpose nor to prohibit customary practices while lawfully engaged in commercial fishing under the provisions of the Fish and Aquatic Life Code or hunting and trapping under the provisions of the Wildlife Code.
    The provisions of this Section shall not apply to the driver of the boat, a person while fishing or to a person on private property.
(Source: P.A. 90-412, eff. 1-1-98.)

625 ILCS 45/5-22
    (625 ILCS 45/5-22)
    Sec. 5-22. Operation of watercraft upon the approach of an authorized emergency watercraft.
    (a) As used in this Section, "authorized emergency watercraft" includes any watercraft operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Police, the Illinois State Police, a county sheriff, a local law enforcement agency, a fire department, a provider of emergency medical services, or the United States Coast Guard, equipped with alternately flashing red, blue, red and white, red and blue, or red in combination with white or blue lights, while engaged in official duties. Any authorized emergency watercraft must be clearly emblazoned with markings identifying it as a watercraft operated by the qualifying agency.
    (b) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency watercraft making use of rotating or flashing visual signals and lawfully making use of a visual signal, the operator of every other watercraft shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately reduce the speed of the watercraft, so as not to create a wake, and shall yield way to the emergency watercraft, moving to the right to permit the safe passage of the emergency watercraft, and shall stop and remain in that position until the authorized emergency watercraft has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
    (c) Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency watercraft, when the authorized emergency watercraft is giving a signal by displaying rotating or alternately flashing red, blue, red and white, red and blue, or red in combination with white or blue lights, a person operating an approaching watercraft shall proceed with due caution at no-wake speed and yield the right-of-way by moving safely away from that authorized emergency watercraft, proceeding with due caution at a no-wake speed with due regard to safety and water conditions, maintaining no-wake speed until sufficiently away from the emergency watercraft so as not to create a wake that would otherwise rock or otherwise disturb the authorized emergency watercraft.
    (d) This Section shall not operate to relieve the operator of an authorized emergency watercraft from the duty to operate that watercraft with due regard for the safety of all persons using the waterway.
    (e) A person who violates this Section commits a business offense punishable by a fine of not less than $100 or more than $10,000. It is a factor in aggravation if the person committed the offense while in violation of Section 5-16 of this Act.
    (f) If a violation of this Section results in damage to the property of another person, in addition to any other penalty imposed, the person's watercraft operating privileges shall be suspended for a fixed period of not less than 90 days and not more than one year.
    (g) If a violation of this Section results in injury to another person, in addition to any other penalty imposed, the person's watercraft operating privileges shall be suspended for a fixed period of not less than 180 days and not more than 2 years.
    (h) If a violation of subsection (c) of this Section results in great bodily harm or permanent disability or disfigurement to, or the death of, another person, in addition to any other penalty imposed, the person's watercraft operating privileges shall be suspended for 2 years.
    (i) The Department of Natural Resources shall, upon receiving a record of a judgment entered against a person under this Section:
        (1) suspend the person's watercraft operating

privileges for the mandatory period; or
        (2) extend the period of an existing suspension by

the appropriate mandatory period.
(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)