Obeying Law Enforcement Officers

An operator must stop his or her vessel when signaled to do so by an officer wearing an identifying insignia or by a law enforcement vessel sounding a siren or flashing a blue light. It is illegal to fail to stop or to try to elude the officer.

• On Vermont waters, a law enforcement officer may legally:
  • Inspect the documentation for your vessel.
  • Check the vessel operator’s licenses and permits.
  • Conduct a safety inspection to make sure the required equipment is on board.
• Under Vermont law, a law enforcement officer also may:
  • Arrest anyone violating a Vermont boating law.
  • Direct, control, and regulate vessel traffic.
  • Make reasonable orders to enforce the law.