Arizona § 5-322 - Motorized watercraft to be numbered; exceptions

Full text of Arizona Arizona Revised Statutes § 5-322 — Motorized watercraft to be numbered; exceptions, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 5-322. Motorized watercraft to be numbered; exceptions

A. All motorized watercraft whether underway, moored or anchored on the waters within the boundaries of the state shall be numbered in accordance with this chapter or rules of the commission in accordance with the federally approved numbering system except:

1. Foreign watercraft temporarily using the waters of the state.

2. Military or public vessels of the United States, except recreational type public vessels.

3. Watercraft used solely as lifeboats.

4. Undocumented watercraft operating under a valid temporary certificate issued pursuant to rules adopted by the commission.

5. Documented watercraft numbered in accordance with the regulations of the United States coast guard.

B. Motorized watercraft owned and operated exclusively by the state or by any political subdivision of the state shall be numbered, but no registration fee shall be paid on the watercraft.

C. All owners of motorized watercraft when in the course of interstate operation displaying a current and valid number issued under an approved federal numbering system of the United States coast guard, a state, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam or the District of Columbia shall register such watercraft with the department before the expiration of the reciprocity period prescribed by rules of the commission.

D. All motorized watercraft, when in the course of interstate operation and not required to be numbered in their state of principal operation, shall comply with the requirements of subsection C of this section.

E. When this state becomes the new state of principal operation of a motorized watercraft displaying a current number issued under a federally approved numbering system, the validity of such number shall be recognized for a period of ninety days.  On expiration of the ninety-day period and before any subsequent use, the owner shall number any motorized watercraft pursuant to section 5-321.

F. Each dealer or manufacturer in this state engaged in the sale of motorized watercraft using the watercraft for demonstration shall obtain one or more dealer watercraft certificates of number with the current validating decals.  Applications, fees for each certificate of number and accompanying current decals, renewal and display of certificates of number shall be as prescribed in this chapter or by rules of the commission.

 

Source: official Arizona text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Arizona § 5-322

What does Arizona Revised Statutes § 5-322 cover?

Section 5-322 ("Motorized watercraft to be numbered; exceptions") is part of the Arizona Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Arizona. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Arizona § 5-322?

A common citation format is "Arizona Revised Statutes § 5-322" (Arizona). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Arizona law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Arizona official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Arizona attorney.

How does Arizona § 5-322 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Arizona can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Arizona.