§ 488.580 — Operation of personal watercraft

Nevada § 488.580

• Jurisdiction: Nevada
• Title 43: PUBLIC SAFETY; VEHICLES; WATERCRAFT
• Ch. 488: Watercraft

Text

1. A person shall not operate or authorize another person to operate a personal watercraft under his or her ownership or control:
(a) In a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life or property of another person.
(b) Unless the operator and each passenger is wearing a life jacket of an appropriate size and type for the person for whom it was intended that has been approved by the United States Coast Guard and meets any requirements prescribed by the regulations of the Commission.
(c) Unless the operator is at least 14 years of age.
(d) Unless the operator satisfies any applicable provisions of NRS 488.730 .
2. There is prima facie evidence that a person is operating a personal watercraft in a reckless or negligent manner if that person commits two or more of the following acts simultaneously:
(a) Operates the personal watercraft within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel, unless both are leaving a flat wake or traveling at a speed of not more than 5 nautical miles per hour.
(b) Operates the personal watercraft in the vicinity of a power-driven vessel in a manner that obstructs the visibility of either operator.
(c) Heads into the wake of a power-driven vessel which is within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel and causes one-half or more of the length of the personal watercraft to leave the water.
(d) Within a zone closer than 5 lengths of the longest vessel, maneuvers quickly, turns sharply or swerves, unless the maneuver is necessary to avoid collision.
3. As used in this section, “personal watercraft” means:
(a) A class A power-driven vessel which:
(1) Is less than 13 feet in length;
(2) Is designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on, rather than in, the power-driven vessel;
(3) Is capable of performing sharp turns or quick maneuvers; and
(4) Has a motor that exceeds 10 horsepower.
(b) A mechanically propelled personal hydrofoil or motorized surfboard.

Legislative History

(Added to NRS by 1991, 852 ; A 2001, 1719 , 1948 ; 2003, 74 ; 2023, 552 )