Public Act 098-0697
 
SB2731 EnrolledLRB098 17464 MLW 52568 b

    AN ACT concerning transportation.
 
    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
represented in the General Assembly:
 
    Section 5. The Boat Registration and Safety Act is amended
by changing Section 5-14 as follows:
 
    (625 ILCS 45/5-14)  (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 315-9)
    Sec. 5-14. Towing of Persons. Water Skiing.
    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. 90-412, eff. 1-1-98.)