Who Enforces Boating Laws?

The boating laws of Arizona are enforced by AZGFD officers, county deputy sheriffs, municipal officers, park rangers, and any other state-commissioned law enforcement officers. The officers have the authority to stop and board vessels to check for compliance with state laws. The USCG has federal enforcement authority on all federally controlled waters.

• When hailed by an officer, the operator of a vessel must immediately stop and maneuver in such a way as to permit the officer to come alongside.
• Failure to obey an order or to comply with an officer will result in an enforcement action up to and including arrest.
• Officers may issue citations and may order an operator of a vessel back to shore to correct a violation.
• Officers also may establish sobriety checkpoints on the waterways to ensure public safety.

AZGFD officers, county deputy sheriffs, municipal officers, park rangers, and all other state-commissioned law enforcement officers have the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with state laws.