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Kentucky kayaking laws are implemented and enforced by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. To help you paddle safely and legally, we’ve put together a summary of the Kentucky kayak laws rules and regulations so you’re prepared for your next kayaking trip. Not a Lawyer Disclaimer: I am not an attorney. More importantly, I am not your attorney. This article is not legal advice. If you desire legal advice, consult a competent, licensed attorney in your area. Kentucky Kayak Laws Summary
That’s a summary of Kentucky boating laws that apply to kayaking and canoeing. Here are the details… Amazon and Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means we will earn a commission (at no extra cost to you) on the products or services you purchase using the links. Kentucky Kayak Registration LawsDo you have to register a kayak in Kentucky? The quick answer is no. Kayaks, canoes and paddle boards that are manually propelled are exempted from registration. Do you have to register a kayak with a trolling motor in Kentucky? The quick answer is yes. All motorized vessels, regardless of size, are required to have a Kentucky registration certificate on board.
Kentucky Kayak Registration ResourcesRelated Article: Paddle Board Registration Kentucky Kayaking Education LawsDo you need a license to kayak in Kentucky? The short answer is no. But the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife recommends that all boaters take a boating safety class. Do you need a license to operate a motorized kayak in Kentucky? You don’t need a license, per se, however there is an education requirement. In Kentucky, you must be 12 years or older to operate a motorboat 10 horsepower or greater on public waters. A person between 12 and 17 years old must carry a certificate showing successful completion of a boater safety education course. Boat-ed.com Kentucky Boater Safety Education Course (affiliate link) Kentucky Kayaking Alcohol and Drug LawsCan you get a BUI on a kayak in Kentucky? Yes. It is a violation of Kentucky law to operate a vessel while impaired by alcohol or other drugs. You’re considered under the influence if your blood or breath alcohol (BAL) level is 0.08% or more. Related Article: Can You Get a DUI on a Kayak? Kentucky BUI PenaltiesKentucky BUIs carry some hefty penalties: Operating Under the Influence
Boat-ed.com Kentucky Boater Safety Education Course (affiliate link) Kentucky Kayak Life Jacket LawsDo you have to wear a life jacket on a kayak in Kentucky? The quick answer is no. All vessels are required to have a wearable USCG-approved Type I, II, or III personal flotation device for each person on board. PFDs must be in good condition, properly sized for each person, and be readily accessible. When underway or under power, children 12 and under must wear an approved life jacket when the vessel is underway. This applies to manually propelled boats such as kayaks and canoes, as well. Related Article: Kayak Life Jacket Laws by State (50 State List) Kentucky Kayaking Lights LawsWhat lights do I need on my kayak at night?Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23 Feet When UnderwayKayakers are required to carry a white light onboard their kayak. The kayaker is to display the light if another vessel approaches, to avoid a possible collision.
These lights must be displayed:
NOTE: Red or blue lights are reserved for police. Lights While Moored or AnchoredWhenever moored or anchored away from a mooring area, between sunset and sunrise, you must display a white light that can be seen in all directions. Kentucky Kayaking Sounding Devices LawsSounding Devices for KayaksDo I need a whistle on a kayak in Kentucky? On any Kentucky waters, vessels under 16 feet in length don’t have to have a sounding device, but it is strongly recommended that a kayaker carry a horn or whistle on board. The best “sounding” device for kayakers and canoes is a whistle attached to your PFD in a place that’s easy and quick to reach. Here’s what we consider to be the best whistle for kayaking. Motorized KayaksOn Kentucky state waters, vessels between 16 feet and 26 feet long must have hand, mouth, or power-operated sound producing device that is audible for at least half a mile. VDS – Visual Distress Signaling DevicesAt Night Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with USCG–approved VDSs. All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night VDS signals when operating between sunset and sunrise. During the Day Most vessels must carry day signals, except:
Kentucky Kayaking Fire Extinguisher LawsDo I need a fire extinguisher on my motorized kayak in Kentucky? The quick answer is no. One USCG-approved B-1 type fire extinguisher is required for all recreational motorboats except Class A or Class 1 boats that don’t permit the entrapment of flammable gasses or vapors. Class A boats are your kayak or canoe that has a trolling motor, so they are exempted from carrying a fire extinguisher. Additional Kentucky Kayaking ResourcesKentucky Kayaking Laws and EnforcementKentucky kayaking laws and all other boating laws are enforced by:
Kentucky Boating Safety Education Resources
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