California § 658.5 - Except as provided in subdivision (b), no person under 16 years of age shall oper
Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 658.5 — Except as provided in subdivision (b), no person under 16 years of age shall oper, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 658.5. Except as provided in subdivision (b), no person under 16 years of age shall oper
(a) Except as provided in subdivision (b), no person under 16 years of age shall operate a vessel powered by a motor of greater than 15 horsepower, except for a vessel that does not exceed 30 feet in length and is designed to use wind as its principal source of propulsion, or a dinghy used directly between a moored vessel and the shoreline or between a moored vessel and another moored vessel. (b) Except as provided in subdivision (a), no person 12, 13, 14, or 15 years of age shall operate a vessel powered by a motor of greater than 15 horsepower, or a vessel that exceeds 30 feet in length and is designed to use wind as its principal source of propulsion, unless the person is accompanied in the vessel by a person who is at least 18 years of age and who is attentive and supervising the operation of the vessel. (c) Subdivisions (a) and (b) do not apply to any of the following: (1) A person who operates a vessel as a performer in a professional exhibition. (2) A person engaged in an organized regatta, vessel race, or water ski race. (3) A person engaged in a marine event authorized pursuant to Section 268. (d) Any person who violates this section, and any person who permits any other person under 16 years of age to operate a vessel in violation of this section, is guilty of an infraction.
Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About California § 658.5
What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 658.5 cover?
Section 658.5 ("Except as provided in subdivision (b), no person under 16 years of age shall oper") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. 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 California § 658.5?
A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 658.5" (California). 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 California law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.
How does California § 658.5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California 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 California.