§ 4-11 — Engine cut-off switch

(a) As used in this Section: "Engine cut-off switch" means an emergency switch installed on a motorboat that: (1) is designed to shut off the engine if: (A) the motorboat operator using a lanyard attachment activates the switch by falling overboard or otherwise moving beyond the length of the lanyard; or (B) the motorboat operator or a passenger using a wireless attachment activates the switch by falling overboard and submerging a man-overboard transmitter; and (2) attaches: (A) physically to the motorboat operator through the use of a lanyard worn by the operator; or (B) wirelessly through the use of a water-activated man-overboard transmitter worn by the motorboat operator or any similarly equipped passenger on the motorboat. (b) A motorboat operator may not operate a motorboat less than 26 feet in length that is equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch and such switch is not in use while the motorboat is operating on plane or above displacement speed. No person may operate a watercraft without first verifying that the engine cut-off switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment, as appropriate for the specific motorboat, to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator. (c) The requirement under paragraph (1) of subsection (a) shall not apply if: (A) the main helm of the covered vessel is installed within an enclosed cabin; or (B) the vessel does not have an engine cut-off switch.

Legislative History

(Source: P.A. 104-137, eff. 1-1-26 .)