Indiana § 14-15-3-30 - Abandoned watercraft
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 14-15-3-30 — Abandoned watercraft, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 14-15-3-30. Abandoned watercraft
Sec. 30. (a) A person may not abandon a watercraft at any time on Indiana water. A watercraft found unattended in a sunken, beached, or drifting condition is considered to have been abandoned by the owner. In the interest of public safety, such a watercraft may be removed and impounded for safekeeping and disposal in accordance with the following:
(1) Abandoned watercraft may be impounded by any law enforcement officer of the department when located on public water.
(2) The owner of an impounded watercraft, if determined and located, shall be notified. The owner may redeem the boat by payment of the storage fee, if any, plus any expenses incurred by the department in the removal of the watercraft.
(3) If the owner of an impounded watercraft cannot be found, the impounded watercraft shall be held at a place of safekeeping for at least ninety (90) days.
(4) A watercraft unclaimed by the owner at the expiration of the period prescribed by subdivision (3) shall be destroyed or sold at public auction.
(5) All money received from the sale at public auction of a watercraft under subdivision (4) shall be deposited in the fish and wildlife fund.
(b) The department and the department's employees are not liable for any damages caused by an abandoned watercraft or incurred to the watercraft during or after the removal of the watercraft from public water.
[Pre-1995 Recodification Citation: 14-1-1-64.]
As added by P.L.1-1995, SEC.8.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 14-15-3-30
What does Indiana Code § 14-15-3-30 cover?
Section 14-15-3-30 ("Abandoned watercraft") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. 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 Indiana § 14-15-3-30?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 14-15-3-30" (Indiana). 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 Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 14-15-3-30 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana 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 Indiana.