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Careless and Reckless Boat Operation in Missouri

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Missouri’s Reckless Boat Operation Regulations

According to Missouri’s reckless operation regulations, it is illegal to operate any boat, waterskis, wakeboard, or similar device, in a careless, reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person.

Examples of boat operation violations may include:

Operating in a restricted area.
Disturbing or harassing wildlife.
Creating a hazardous wake.
Boating while under the influence.

Penalties for Reckless Boat Operation:

Upon a first conviction, a person will be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.
Upon a second conviction, a person will be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.
Upon a third or subsequent conviction, a person will be guilty of a Class D felony.

Boat Speed Limits and Operation in Restricted Areas

In Missouri, it is illegal to:

Operate a boat in any restricted or zoned area.

Operate at a speed greater than 30 miles per hour (mph) from a half-hour after sunset until an hour before sunrise.
Operate within 100 feet of any dock, pier, occupied anchored boat or buoyed restricted area on any waterway at a speed in excess of ‘Slow-No Wake’ speed.

For more information on boat operation violations within the state of Missouri, visit the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Water Patrol Division website.