PART 2010 BOAT AND SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION AND SAFETY : Sections Listing

TITLE 17: CONSERVATION
CHAPTER I: DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
SUBCHAPTER e: LAW ENFORCEMENT
PART 2010 BOAT AND SNOWMOBILE REGISTRATION AND SAFETY


AUTHORITY: Implementing and authorized by Sections 3-1, 3-1.5, 3-2, 3-3, 4-1 and 9-1 of the Boat Registration and Safety Act [625 ILCS 45] and the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act [625 ILCS 40].

SOURCE: Filed January 13, 1960; codified at 5 Ill. Reg. 10660; amended at 8 Ill. Reg. 7801, effective May 23, 1984; amended at 10 Ill. Reg. 9769, effective May 21, 1986; recodified by changing the agency name from Department of Conservation to Department of Natural Resources at 20 Ill. Reg. 9389; amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 9028, effective June 26, 1997; amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 15235, effective November 17, 1997; amended at 22 Ill. Reg. 14759, effective August 3, 1998; amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 8142, effective May 17, 2002; amended at 35 Ill. Reg. 10764, effective June 23, 2011; amended at 37 Ill. Reg. 6762, effective May 1, 2013; amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 3499, effective March 4, 2021.

 

Section 2010.10  Introduction (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 8 Ill. Reg. 7801, effective May 23, 1984)

 

Section 2010.20  Form of Application Requirements for Boat Registration and Title

 

a)         The application form provided by the Department for the use of individuals in applying for a certificate of registration and title (if never issued) shall include the following: 

 

1)         Name of owner;

 

2)         Address of owner, including Zip Code;

 

3)         Owner's Social Security Number and Date of Birth, along with one of the following:

 

A)        Driver's License number; or

 

B)        State issued photographic State Identification Card number;

 

4)         State in which the watercraft will be principally operated;

 

5)         Number previously issued by the registration authority of any state of the United States of America or a registration authority located in a foreign country;

 

6)         Application type:  Authorized terms are "new number", "renewal number", or "transfer of ownership";

 

7)         Primary operational use:  Authorized terms are "charter fishing", "commercial fishing", "commercial passenger carrying", "dealer or manufacturer demonstration", "other commercial operation", "pleasure", or "rent or lease";

 

8)         Make, model, model year and length of the vessel;

 

9)         Hull identification number, if any;

 

10)         Vessel type:  Authorized terms are "air boat", "Auxiliary sail", "cabin motorboat", "houseboat", "inflatable boat", "open motorboat", "paddlecraft", "personal watercraft", "pontoon boat", "rowboat", "sail only", or "other";

 

11)         Hull material:  Authorized terms are "aluminum", fiberglass", "plastic", "rubber/vinyl/canvas", "steel", "wood", or "other";

 

12)         Engine drive type:  Authorized terms are "inboard", "outboard", "pod drive", "sterndrive", or "other";

 

13)         Fuel:  Authorized terms are "electric", "diesel", "gas", or "other";

 

14)         A copy of the certificate of origin, if any;

 

15)         Name and address of any lienholder; and

 

16)         Signature of owner.

 

b)         The signature of the applicant authorizes the Department to lower the remittance in the event personal check is submitted for an incorrect fee.

 

c)         For registrations processed through the Internet, the application form will also contain fields for the dealer to include:

 

1)         Registration decal inventory number; and

 

2)         Dealer ID number.

 

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 3499, effective March 4, 2021)

 

Section 2010.21  Application Requirements on Motorized Vehicles Titled by the Illinois Secretary of State

 

a)         Motorized vehicles that may be used on water that are titled by the Illinois Secretary of State will be accepted as titled by the Department and, as such, will not be required to be titled with the Department.

 

b)         Such vehicles, if used on water, must be numbered in accordance with the Boat Registration and Safety Act.

 

(Source:  Added at 22 Ill. Reg. 14759, effective August 3, 1998)

 

Section 2010.22  Water Usage Stamp Application for Non-powered Watercraft (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 45 Ill. Reg. 3499, effective March 4, 2021)

 

Section 2010.25  Form of Application for Snowmobile Registration

 

a)         The application form provided by the Department for the use of individuals in  certificate of registration shall include the following:  

 

1)         Name and address of owner

 

2)         Date of birth of owner

 

3)         Social Security Number of owner

 

4)         Body and motor serial number

 

5)         Current registration number (if any)

 

6)         Manufacturer

 

7)         Model year

 

8)         Horsepower or c.c.

 

9)         Snowmobile color (2)

 

10)         Statement as to use

 

11)         A copy of the bill of sale or certificate of origin

 

12)         Signature of owner

 

b)         The signature of the applicant authorizes the Department to lower the remittance in the event personal check is submitted for an incorrect fee.

 

(Source:  Amended at 26 Ill. Reg. 8142, effective May 17, 2002)

 

Section 2010.30  Numbering Pattern to be Used for Boat Registration

 

a)         The identification patterns issued pursuant to the Boat Registration and Safety Act shall be divided into three parts. The first part shall consist of the letters "IL". The second part shall consist of not more than 4 numerals. The third part shall consist of not more than 3 letters, except that the letters "I", "O" and "Q" shall not be used.

 

b)         Each group of letters and numerals shall be separated by a hyphen or an equivalent space. As examples:   IL-1234-AA or IL 1234 AA.

 

(Source:  Amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 9028, effective June 26, 1997)

 

Section 2010.35  Numbering Pattern to be Used for Snowmobile Registration

 

a)         The identification patterns issued pursuant to the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act shall be divided into three parts.  The first part shall consist of the letters "IL".  The second part shall consist of not more than 4 numerals.  The third part shall consist of not more than 3 letters, except that the letters "I", "O" and "Q" shall not be used.

 

b)         Each group of letters and numerals shall be separated by a hyphen or an equivalent space.  As examples:  IL-1234-AAA or IL 1234 AAA.

 

c)         Display of the registration number on the snowmobile is not required.

 

(Source:  Amended at 21 Ill. Reg. 9028, effective June 26, 1997)

 

Section 2010.40  Display of Number on Boats

 

a)         The number shall be in block characters, not less than 3 inches in height, and of a color which shall contrast with the background and so maintained as to be clearly visible and legible; i.e. dark numbers on a light background, or light numbers on a dark background.

 

b)         The numbers shall be painted on or attached to each side of the forward half of the vessel in such position as to provide clear eligibility for identification. The numbers shall be applied to read from left to right.

 

c)         No number other than that issued under a certificate of registration shall be carried on the bow of any watercraft assigned an Illinois registration number.

 

(Source:  Amended at 10 Ill. Reg. 9769, effective May 21, 1986)

 

Section 2010.50  Change of Address (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 8 Ill. Reg. 7801, effective May 23, 1984)

 

Section 2010.60  Reports in Case of Accident

 

a)         Whenever a boat is involved in a collision or accident causing injury or death to persons or property damage over $2000, or a snowmobile is involved in a collision or accident causing injury or death to persons or property damage over $750, a report must be made to the Department. All accidents that result in death or serious injury to any person shall be reported by the operator within 48 hours. All other accidents shall be reported within 5 days.

 

b)         Every Boating Accident Report shall include the following:  

 

1)         The numbers and/or names of vessels involved;

 

2)         The locality where the accident occurred;

 

3)         The time and date when the accident occurred;

 

4)         Weather and water conditions at time of accident;

 

5)         The name, address, age, and boat operating experience of the operator of the reporting vessel;

 

6)         The names and addresses of operators of other vessels involved;

 

7)         The names and addresses of the owners of vessels or property involved;

 

8)         The names and addresses of any person or persons injured or killed;

 

9)         The nature and extent of injury to any person or persons;

 

10)         A description of damage to property (including vessels) and estimated cost of repairs;

 

11)         A description of the accident (including opinions as to the causes);

 

12)         The length, propulsion, horsepower, fuel and construction of the reporting vessel;

 

13)         Names and addresses of known witnesses; and

 

14)         Information pertaining to the use or availability of life saving devices.

 

c)         Every snowmobile accident report shall include the following:  

 

1)         The locality where the accident occurred;

 

2)         The time and date of the accident;

 

3)         Weather and snow conditions at time of accident;

 

4)         Type of terrain;

 

5)         The name, address, age, and operating experience of operator of the snowmobile;

 

6)         The names and addresses of owners of the snowmobile involved;

 

7)         The names and addresses of any person or persons injured or killed;

 

8)         The nature and extent of injury to any person or persons;

 

9)         A description of damage to property;

 

10)         Nature of operation at time of accident;

 

11)         A description of accident;

 

12)         Operator's certificate number;

 

13)         Names and addresses of know witnesses;

 

14)         Description of snowmobiles;

 

15)         Nature of assistance furnished;

 

16)         Persons on snowmobile other than operator; and

 

17)         Name and address of operator and registration of other vehicle involved.

 

d)         Boat and snowmobile accidents shall be reported on forms provided by the Department.  Accident report forms may be obtained from the Department by calling 217/782-6431 or writing to:

 

Department of Natural Resources

Division of Law Enforcement

One Natural Resources Way

Springfield IL 62702-1271

 

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 3499, effective March 4, 2021)

 

Section 2010.70  Statutory Authority (Repealed)

 

(Source:  Repealed at 8 Ill. Reg. 7801, effective May 23, 1984)

 

Section 2010.80  Renewals for Boat and Snowmobile Registration

 

a)         Renewal fees for boats shall be as set out in Section 3-2 of the Boat Registration and Safety Act [625 ILCS 45].

 

b)         Renewal fees for snowmobiles shall be as set out in Section 3-2 of the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act [625 ILCS 40].

 

c)         Persons wishing to renew three year registrations via the Internet or the 1-800 phone system:

 

1)         Must:

 

A)        Make the renewal through the Department's Internet Home Page (www.dnr.illinois.gov) or by phone at 1-800-382-1696.

 

B)        Using the existing registration card, enter the IL registration number, hull identification number or body serial number, and 3 letters of the owner's last name registered for the craft/snowmobile.

 

C)        Enter necessary address change information.

 

D)        Make payment via electronic commerce (example:  credit card).

 

2)         May be charged a convenience fee by the contract service provider.  The fee is established pursuant to the competitive bidding procedures of the Illinois Procurement Code [30 ILCS 500] to cover the cost of the transaction, including mailing and handling fees.  Renewals may be accomplished by mailing the application to the Department.  The applications shall be accompanied by a check or money order.  No convenience fee charges are added for payment by check or money order.  Mail-in renewals take 2-3 weeks processing time, plus delivery through the mail.

 

3)         Will, at the conclusion of the transaction, immediately receive a transaction confirmation number or new Internet registration card.  This affords the person the ability to then immediately pursue boating or snowmobile activities.  Both the Internet and phone systems offer immediate registration verification for law enforcement.

 

(Source:  Amended at 45 Ill. Reg. 3499, effective March 4, 2021)

 

Section 2010.82  Trail Use Stickers

 

a)         Non-resident owners or operators of snowmobiles that are not registered in Illinois must purchase a trail use sticker to operate the snowmobile in Illinois. 

 

b)         The fee for a trail use sticker shall be as set out in Section 3-12 of the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act [625 ILCS 40/3-12]. The sticker, which can be purchased from the Department or authorized agents, must be displayed on the snowmobile. The sticker expires on June 30 of each registration year.

 

(Source:  Added at 35 Ill. Reg. 10764, effective June 23, 2011)

 

Section 2010.85  Mandatory Liability Insurance

 

Other than a person operating a snowmobile on his or her own property that is not a posted snowmobile trail, and other than a person operating a snowmobile on property other than a posted snowmobile trail in which the owner of the property has given his or her written or oral consent to the person to operate a snowmobile on the property, no person shall operate, register, or maintain registration of, and no owner shall permit another person to operate, register or maintain registration of, a snowmobile in this State unless the snowmobile is covered by a liability insurance policy [625 ILCS 40/3-13].

 

a)         Minimum coverage amounts as set out in Section 7-203 of the Illinois Vehicle Code [625 ILCS 5/7-203] apply.

 

b)         The policy must be issued in compliance with Sections 143a and 143a-2 of the Illinois Insurance Code [215 ILCS 5/143a and 143a-2] by an insurer authorized to do business in the State of Illinois.

 

c)         Proof of insurance is required to be kept with the snowmobile at all times.

 

(Source:  Added at 35 Ill. Reg. 10764, effective June 23, 2011)

 

Section 2010.90  Authorized Dealers

 

a)         Dealers who wish to become authorized to register boats via the Internet must:

 

1)         Make a request in writing

 

2)         Indicate the number of boats sold the previous year

 

3)         Enter into a vendor contract with the Department

 

4)         Provide a bond or surety in an amount and form satisfactory to the Department, based on the previous year's sales.

 

b)         Dealers authorized by the Department to register watercraft or snowmobiles over the Internet will be issued inventory controllable registration decals to be issued to the watercraft or snowmobile owner at time of registration.  Upon designated dates specified by the Department, these dealers will submit necessary reports and unissued decals to the Department.  Failure on the part of the dealer to comply with the Boat Registration and Safety Act [625 ILCS 45], including this Part and the dealer agreement, shall be justification for the Department to cancel or withdraw the registration over the Internet ability and immediately collect the unissued registration decals.

 

c)         Authorized dealers will be assigned appropriate security data for accessing the secured Internet application.  Upon completing the registration application, the dealer will print out the completed application, obtain the necessary signatures on that document, and make 2 copies of the signed document.  The originally signed copy of the application is to be submitted to the Department.  One copy of the signed document is for the dealer's records and the other copy is for the customer.  The dealer must also print out the registration card for the customer and add the registration number to the decals.

 

d)         Authorized dealers may charge a convenience fee not to exceed $4.00 to cover the cost of the Internet transaction.

 

e)         No authorized dealer shall be required to remit any monies for registration decals stolen by means of forcible entry into the premises where the decals were kept, or destroyed by fire of the premises where the decals were kept, if he or she submits a police or fire department report of the theft or fire, and a listing of the numbers of decals so stolen or destroyed.

 

(Source:  Added at 21 Ill. Reg. 9028, effective June 26, 1997)

 

Section 2010.95  Penalties for Convictions

 

a)         Violation of the provisions of the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act is a Class C misdemeanor, with the following exceptions:

 

1)         Resisting or obstructing a Department officer or employee is a Class A misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS 40/10-1).

 

2)         Operation of a snowmobile while operating privileges are suspended or revoked by the State of Illinois, another state, federal agency or province of Canada is a Class A misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS 40/10-3).

 

3)         Operating a snowmobile while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (see 625 ILCS 40/5-7):

 

A)        First offense:  Class A misdemeanor.

 

B)        Repeat offense, if injuries result from incident or if operating while privileges are suspended:  Class 4 felony.

 

C)        Death of person:  Class 2 felony.

 

b)         Violation of the provisions of the Boat Registration and Safety Act is a petty offense, with the following exceptions:

 

1)         Violation of dealer transfer/titling requirements is a Class A misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS 45/3A-13 and A-14).

 

2)         Altering, forging or counterfeiting a title is a Class 2 felony (see 625 ILCS 45/3A-21).

 

3)         Careless operation of a watercraft is a Class B misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS45/5-1).

 

4)         Reckless operation of a watercraft is a Class A misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS 45/5-2).

 

5)         Aggravated reckless operation of a watercraft is a Class 4 felony (see 625 ILCS 11A-3).

 

6)         Operation of a watercraft while operating privileges are suspended by the State of Illinois, another state, federal agency or province of Canada is a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, and a Class 4 felony for subsequent offenses (see 625 ILCS 45/11A-5).

 

7)         Operation of watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (see 625 ILCS 45/5-16):

 

A)        First Offense:  Class A misdemeanor.

 

B)        Repeat offense, if injuries result from incident or if operating while privileges are suspended:  Class 4 felony.

 

C)        Death of person:  Class 2 felony.

 

8)         Resisting or obstructing a Department officer or employee or refusal to obey direction of a peace officer is a Class A misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS 45/2-4).

 

9)         Offenses related to titling are Class A misdemeanors (see 625 ILCS 45/3A-20).

 

10)         Failure to equip and maintain a motorboat with an effective muffler or underwater exhaust system is a Class B misdemeanor, and a subsequent offense occurring within three years after the most recent offense is a Class A misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS 45/4-3).

 

11)         Operation of a motorboat in a manner exceeding a noise level of 75 decibels is a Class B misdemeanor, and a subsequent offense occurring within three years after the most recent offense is a Class A misdemeanor (see 625 ILCS 45/4-3).

 

12)         Manufacture or sale of a motorboat without an effective muffler or underwater exhaust system and a noise level exceeding 75 decibels is a Class A misdemeanor, and a subsequent offense is a Class 4 felony (see 625 ILCS 45/4-3).

 

c)         In addition to any other penalties imposed by the court system for violations of the Snowmobile Registration and Safety Act and the Boat Registration and Safety Act, the Department may suspend the operator's privileges.  Pursuant to 17 Ill. Adm. Code 2530 (Revocation Procedures for Conservation Offences), the Department shall suspend an operator's privileges for a period of not less than one year and impose fees for reckless operation of a watercraft, leaving the scene of a watercraft accident, failure to yield to an emergency watercraft and operating a watercraft or snowmobile while under the influence (or refusal).

 

(Source:  Added at 35 Ill. Reg. 10764, effective June 23, 2011)