Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 23. PARKS, RECREATION, SPORTS, AND GAMBLING

CHAPTER 2. RECREATION

Part 5. Boats

Waterskis And Surfboards

23-2-529. Waterskis and surfboards. (1) A person may not operate a motorboat or vessel on any waters of this state for the purpose of towing a person or persons on waterskis, a surfboard, or similar device unless the operator is accompanied by an observer. If the operator is 12 years of age or younger, there must be a second person, at least 18 years of age, in the vessel to observe the person being towed. The fish and wildlife commission shall adopt rules regarding the proper observation and safe towing of persons on waterskis or similar devices, based on density of use of a body of water.

(2) A person may not operate a motorboat or vessel towing a person engaged in waterskiing, surfboarding, or similar activity or towing some other contrivances nor may a person engage in those activities at any time between the hours from sunset to sunrise, except that this subsection does not apply to a performer engaged in a professional exhibition or a person engaged in a regatta or race authorized under this part.

(3) All right-of-way rules applying to a towing vessel apply to a person being towed.

History: En. Sec. 14, Ch. 285, L. 1959; amd. Sec. 12, Ch. 514, L. 1973; amd. Sec. 14, Ch. 124, L. 1977; R.C.M. 1947, 69-3514; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 136, L. 1979; amd. Sec. 2, Ch. 28, L. 1991; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 728, L. 1991.