Do you need insurance on a jetski in California?
Boat insurance isn’t required by california law, but some marinas may mandate boat liability coverage. In addition, if you lease or finance your watercraft, your lender may require comprehensive and collision coverages for your boat, which may pay to repair or replace your damaged or stolen watercraft. California boating law requires all boaters to obtain and carry a california boater card (cbc) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on california waterways. This card is often called the “california boating license”.To rent a boat in California, you’ll need to be at least 21 years old and present a valid government-issued photo ID. No boating license is required for most rentals, but we always recommend getting a California Boater Card if you plan to spend a lot of time on the water.
Do I need a license to ride a jetski in California?
California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs). As of January 1, 2025, all boaters must have a California Boater Card to operate a motorized vessel on state waterways. The law requiring this card began in 2018 and has been phased in by age group ever since. Now, card requirements apply to all boaters aged 16 and older.Alert: Effective January 1, 2025 – All motorized vessel operators are now required by law to complete a boating safety course and obtain a California Boater Card before heading out on the water.As of January 1, 2025, all motorized boat operators in California, regardless of age, must possess a California Boater Card. This means if you plan to ride your jet ski or enjoy any boat with a motor, you need a boater card.The short answer is yes, California requires anyone operating a personal watercraft (PWC), such as a jet ski, to have completed an approved boater education course and carry a California Boater Card.
What is the fine for no boaters license in California?
If you’re caught operating a motorized vessel without a required Boater Card, you can be fined: Up to $100 for the first offense. Up to $250 for the second offense. Up to $500 for third and subsequent offenses. All California boaters are required to have a California Boater Card. Boat operators cited without a boater card may receive a fine of up to $100 for the first conviction, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third.If you’re caught operating a motorized vessel without a required Boater Card, you can be fined: Up to $100 for the first offense. Up to $250 for the second offense. Up to $500 for third and subsequent offenses.
Does CA require a boaters license?
California boating law requires all boaters to obtain and carry a California Boater Card (CBC) while operating a recreational motorized vessel on California waterways. This card is often called the “California boating license”. California law requires a person to be 16 years of age or older and in possession of his/her California Boater Card to legally operate a vessel powered by a motor of 15 hp or more, including personal watercraft (PWCs).As of January 1, 2025, anyone operating a motorized vessel in California must carry a California Boater Card. That most likely includes your jet ski, your pontoon boat, and even that modest fishing boat.
