Who Enforces Boating Laws?

Arkansas Game & Fish Commission enforcement officers, sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, state police officers, Department of Parks and Tourism enforcement officers, and municipal police officers have the authority to enforce the boating laws of Arkansas. The USCG also has enforcement authority on federal waters.

• Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel in order to check for compliance with state and federal laws.
• Officers have the authority to investigate any accident or violation involving vessels. Upon investigation, officers may direct the operator of any vessel in violation of Arkansas law to return to the dock.
• It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a person with law enforcement authority. An operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop.