§ 73-18-20 — Enforcement of chapter -- Authority to stop and board vessels -- Disregarding law enforcement signal to stop as misdemeanor -- Procedure for arrest.

(1) A law enforcement officer authorized under Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, may enforce this chapter, the rules made under this chapter, and the maintenance inspection program for vessels carrying passengers for hire implemented under this chapter.
(2) A law enforcement officer authorized under Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, has the authority to stop and board a vessel subject to this chapter, whether the vessel is on water or land. If that law enforcement officer determines the vessel is overloaded, unseaworthy, or the safety equipment required by this chapter or rules of the division is not on the vessel, that law enforcement officer may prohibit the launching of the vessel or stop the vessel from operating.
(3) An operator who, having received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer authorized under Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, to bring the operator's vessel to a stop, operates the vessel in willful or wanton disregard of the signal so as to interfere with or endanger the operation of a vessel or endanger an individual, or who attempts to flee or elude the law enforcement officer whether by vessel or otherwise is guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
(4) Whenever an individual is arrested for a violation of this chapter or a rule made under this chapter, the procedure for arrest is the same as described in Sections 77-7-23 and 77-7-24.

Legislative History

Amended by Chapter 280, 2021 General Session