Utah § 73-18-20 - Enforcement of chapter -- Authority to stop and board vessels -- Disregarding law enforcement signal to stop as misdemeanor -- Procedure for arrest.
Full text of Utah Utah Code § 73-18-20 — Enforcement of chapter -- Authority to stop and board vessels -- Disregarding law enforcement signal to stop as misdemeanor -- Procedure for arrest., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 73-18-20. Enforcement of chapter -- Authority to stop and board vessels -- Disregarding law enforcement signal to stop as misdemeanor -- Procedure for arrest.
73-18-20. Enforcement of chapter -- Authority to stop and board vessels -- Disregarding law enforcement signal to stop as misdemeanor -- Procedure for arrest.
| (1) | A law enforcement officer authorized under Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, may enforce this chapter, the rules made under this chapter, and the maintenance inspection program for vessels carrying passengers for hire implemented under this chapter. |
| (2) | A law enforcement officer authorized under Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, has the authority to stop and board a vessel subject to this chapter, whether the vessel is on water or land. If that law enforcement officer determines the vessel is overloaded, unseaworthy, or the safety equipment required by this chapter or rules of the division is not on the vessel, that law enforcement officer may prohibit the launching of the vessel or stop the vessel from operating. |
| (3) | An operator who, having received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement officer authorized under Title 53, Chapter 13, Peace Officer Classifications, to bring the operator's vessel to a stop, operates the vessel in willful or wanton disregard of the signal so as to interfere with or endanger the operation of a vessel or endanger an individual, or who attempts to flee or elude the law enforcement officer whether by vessel or otherwise is guilty of a class A misdemeanor. |
| (4) | Whenever an individual is arrested for a violation of this chapter or a rule made under this chapter, the procedure for arrest is the same as described in Sections 77-7-23 and 77-7-24. |
Amended by Chapter 280, 2021 General Session
Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 73-18-20
What does Utah Code § 73-18-20 cover?
Section 73-18-20 ("Enforcement of chapter -- Authority to stop and board vessels -- Disregarding law enforcement signal to stop as misdemeanor -- Procedure for arrest.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. 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 Utah § 73-18-20?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 73-18-20" (Utah). 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 Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 73-18-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah 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 Utah.