New Jersey § 12:7-70

§ 12:7-70.

The Legislature finds and declares that numerous laws have been enacted over the past

half-century concerning the regulation of boats and vessels; that many of the provisions

of these laws are duplicative or outdated; that violations of laws governing the

licensing, registration and operation of boats and vessels are currently treated as

disorderly persons offenses; and that such offenses are disproportionate with the

seriousness of these types of violations, which are comparable to motor vehicle violations. The Legislature further finds and declares that, while most boaters are knowledgeable

and responsible with regard to safety issues, there remain many less experienced,

and often younger, boaters who operate vessels on the waters of the State; that,

under current law, boaters convicted of boating while intoxicated, or of careless

or reckless boating can resume their boating activities upon payment of a fine or

expiration of a period of boating privilege suspension; and that many personal watercraft

operators can be found on the waters of the State each year with little or no knowledge

or understanding of safe vessel operation. The Legislature therefore determines that it is in the public interest to reorganize

and consolidate the various boating laws to facilitate a clearer understanding and

increased compliance with these laws; and, that boating laws should be revised so

that the penalties imposed for violations of these laws are consistent with those

imposed for motor vehicle violations. The Legislature further determines that there is a need for mandatory boat safety

instruction for young and inexperienced boaters, as well as for those who are found

guilty of boating while intoxicated or of careless or reckless boating.