This chapter and other applicable laws of this state govern the operation, equipment, registration, numbering, and all other matters relating thereto whenever any vessel is operated on the waters in this state, whether the waters are under the jurisdiction and control of a state department, conservancy district, or political subdivision, or when any activity regulated by this chapter takes place thereon; but nothing in this chapter prevents the adoption of any rule or ordinance relating to operation and equipment of vessels the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this chapter or rules ; provided, that such rules or ordinances shall be operative only so long as and to the extent that they continue to be identical to the provisions of this chapter or rules . Conservancy districts and political subdivisions may adopt ordinances or rules limiting the horsepower of inboard or outboard motors, the maximum and minimum size and type of vessels, and the speed at which vessels may be operated, except that, upon impounded bodies of water covering three thousand five hundred acres of land or more, no conservancy district or political subdivision shall prohibit the use of motors of one hundred twenty horsepower or less when used in conjunction with properly proportioned boats in a reasonable area to be designed for the use of those motors and boats and for water skiing; and provided that upon Tappan Lake no conservancy district or political subdivision shall prohibit the use of motors of sixty-five horsepower or less when used in conjunction with properly proportioned boats in a reasonable area to be designated for the use of those motors and boats and for water skiing.

Any state department, conservancy district, or political subdivision may, at any time, but only after public notice published in a newspaper of local circulation, make formal application to the chief of the division of parks and watercraft for special rules with reference to the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits and shall set forth therein the reasons which make such special rules necessary or appropriate.

The division of parks and watercraft may make special rules governing the operation of vessels on any waters within the territorial limits of any political subdivision.

No political subdivision or conservancy district shall charge any license fee or other charge against the owner of any vessel for the right or privilege of operating the vessel upon the waters of any such political subdivision or conservancy district, and no license or number in addition to those provided for under this chapter shall be required by any state department, conservancy district, or political subdivision.

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

Effective Date: 06-13-1990 .