(A) Except as otherwise provided in division (C) of this section, when the chief of the division of parks and watercraft issues a registration certificate under section 1547.54 of the Revised Code, the chief also shall issue to the applicant two tags not larger than three inches square, color coded, indicating the expiration date of the certificate. The owner of watercraft currently documented by the United States coast guard and for which a registration certificate is issued shall securely affix one tag to the watercraft's port side and the other tag to the starboard side so that the tags are clearly visible under normal operating conditions. The tags shall be removed from the watercraft when they become invalid. The owner of any other watercraft for which a registration certificate is issued shall securely affix one tag to the watercraft's port side, six inches toward the stern from the identification number, and the other tag to the starboard side, six inches toward the stern from the identification number. The tags shall be securely affixed to the watercraft prior to its operation, but shall be removed from the watercraft when they become invalid. A person may operate without a registration certificate issued under section 1547.54 of the Revised Code, for a period not to exceed forty-five days, any watercraft required to be titled on the waters in this state if the person is in compliance with section 1547.531 of the Revised Code.

(B) The owner of every watercraft requiring numbering by this state shall attach to each side of the bow of the watercraft the permanent identification number in such manner as may be prescribed by applicable federal standards in order that it shall be clearly visible. The number shall be maintained in a legible condition at all times. No number other than the number assigned to a watercraft or granted by reciprocity pursuant to this chapter shall be painted, attached, or otherwise displayed on either side of the bow of the watercraft.

(C) When the chief issues a registration certificate under section 1547.54 of the Revised Code for a canoe, rowboat, or inflatable watercraft that has not been numbered under section 1547.53 of the Revised Code, the chief also shall issue to the applicant a tag not larger than three inches by six inches, with distinguishing color coding and a number for identification purposes. The owner of the canoe, rowboat, or inflatable watercraft for which the registration certificate is issued shall affix the tag securely to a location on the canoe, rowboat, or inflatable watercraft as prescribed by rules .

(D) No person shall operate or permit to be operated any watercraft on the waters in this state in violation of this section.

Amended by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 293, §1, eff. 9/14/2016.

Effective Date: 07-05-2002 .