Nevada § 488.291 - Abandonment prohibited; evidence of responsibility for abandonment; removal of vessel from public waterway

Full text of Nevada Nevada Revised Statutes § 488.291 — Abandonment prohibited; evidence of responsibility for abandonment; removal of vessel from public waterway, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 488.291. Abandonment prohibited; evidence of responsibility for abandonment; removal of vessel from public waterway

1. A person shall not abandon a vessel upon a public waterway or public or private

property without the consent of the owner or person in lawful possession or control

of the property. 2. The abandonment of any vessel in a manner prohibited by subsection 1 is prima facie

evidence that the last registered owner of record, unless the registered owner has

notified the Department or other appropriate agency of his or her relinquishment of

title or interest therein, is responsible for the abandonment. The person so responsible is liable for the cost of removal and disposition of the

vessel. 3. A game warden, sheriff or other peace officer of this state may remove or order

the removal of a vessel from a public waterway when: (a) The vessel is left unattended and is adrift, moored, docked, beached, run aground,

trailered or made fast to land in: (1) Such a position as to interfere with navigation; (2) Such a condition as to create a hazard to other vessels using the waterway, to

public safety or to the property of another; or (3) A location owned or administered by a public entity. (b) The vessel is found upon a waterway and a report has previously been made that

the vessel has been stolen or embezzled. (c) The person in charge of the vessel is by reason of physical injuries or illness

incapacitated to such an extent as to be unable to provide for its custody or removal. (d) An officer arrests a person operating or in control of the vessel for an alleged

offense, and the officer is required or permitted to take, and does take, the person

arrested before a magistrate without unnecessary delay. (e) The vessel seriously interferes with navigation or otherwise poses a critical

and immediate danger to navigation or to the public health, safety or welfare.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada § 488.291

What does Nevada Revised Statutes § 488.291 cover?

Section 488.291 ("Abandonment prohibited; evidence of responsibility for abandonment; removal of vessel from public waterway") is part of the Nevada Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Nevada. 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 Nevada § 488.291?

A common citation format is "Nevada Revised Statutes § 488.291" (Nevada). 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 Nevada law?

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

How does Nevada § 488.291 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nevada 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 Nevada.