Jet Ski Laws in Minnesota (2026): Rules That Just Changed

Most people don’t realize Minnesota’s jet ski laws just got a major update. Seriously. If you were born after 2004, you now need a permit to ride. And honestly, the penalties for breaking these rules are no joke.

Let me break down exactly what you need to know before you hit Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes this summer.

What Is a Personal Watercraft in Minnesota?

Minnesota law defines personal watercraft as any boat where you sit, stand, or kneel on it instead of sitting inside. Think Jet Ski, WaveRunner, or Sea-Doo. Basically, if you’re riding on top of it instead of in it, it’s a PWC.

Here’s the thing though. PWCs follow all regular boat laws plus some extra strict rules. The state treats them like motorboats but with more restrictions.

Pretty straightforward, right?

New Operator Permit Requirements (Started July 2025)

Okay, this part is important. Minnesota just rolled out a brand new permit law that caught a lot of people off guard.

Starting July 1, 2025, anyone born after June 30, 2004 must have a watercraft operator’s permit to ride a jet ski. You need to take an online safety course and pass a test. No permit means you can’t legally operate any PWC.

Wait, it gets better. The requirement expands every year through 2028.

Here’s the breakdown:

• July 1, 2025: Born after June 30, 2004 (basically everyone 21 and under)
• July 1, 2026: Born after June 30, 2000 (up to age 26)
• July 1, 2027: Born after June 30, 1996 (up to age 31)
• July 1, 2028: Born after June 30, 1987 (up to age 41)

So if you’re under 38 right now, start planning to get certified. You’re gonna need it.

How to Get Your Permit

The process is actually pretty simple. You take an online course through the Minnesota DNR website. Study at your own pace. Pass the final exam. Done.

The course costs about $35 through approved providers like BOATERexam. Once you pass, you get your watercraft operator’s permit. And here’s the best part: it never expires. Get it once, keep it for life.

Honestly, that’s a pretty good deal.

Age Restrictions for Jet Ski Operators

Minnesota doesn’t mess around with age limits. The rules are strict and they make sense when you think about safety.

Kids under 12 cannot operate a jet ski at all. Even with an adult on board. It’s completely illegal.

Ages 12 to 21 have two options. Either carry a valid watercraft operator’s permit or have someone at least 21 years old on board with them. That adult needs to be within reach of the controls and must also have a permit or be exempt.

Not sure what counts as “within reach”? Basically, the adult needs to be able to grab the controls immediately if something goes wrong.

Required Safety Equipment

Every jet ski in Minnesota must carry specific safety gear. Missing any of this stuff can get you cited.

Everyone on board must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. Types I, II, III, or V are all legal. You need to actually wear it, not just have it on the jet ski.

You must have a Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher in the storage compartment. Even on a jet ski. Yes, really.

The operator must attach the cutoff lanyard to their person, life jacket, or clothing. This kills the engine if you fall off. It’s required by law and it could save your life.

Your jet ski needs a free rules decal from the DNR displayed where the operator can see it. Most dealers provide this when you buy.

Sound complicated? It’s actually not. Just make sure you have these four things every time you ride.

Speed and Distance Rules

Hold on, this part is important. Minnesota has very specific rules about where you can go fast on a jet ski.

You must go slow-no wake speed within 150 feet of shore. That means 5 mph or less. The only exception is when you’re launching or landing a water skier by the most direct route to open water.

Same rule applies within 150 feet of docks, swimmers, rafts, or anything moored or anchored. Slow-no wake only.

You cannot weave through congested boat traffic. You cannot jump the wake of another boat within 150 feet of it. Both are illegal and dangerous.

Wondering if this applies to you? Yes, it does. Conservation officers watch for this stuff constantly.

Operating Hours for Jet Skis

Here’s one that surprises most people. You cannot ride a jet ski between sunset and 9:30 AM.

That’s right. Jet skis are only legal from 9:30 in the morning until one hour before sunset. The exact sunset time changes throughout the year, so check the schedule.

Why the restriction? Visibility. It’s hard to see jet skis in low light conditions. This rule prevents a lot of accidents.

Early morning fishing trip on your jet ski? Sorry, you’ll have to wait until 9:30 AM.

Towing Rules for Water Sports

Want to pull a skier or tuber behind your jet ski? You need an observer on board.

Minnesota requires another person on the jet ski to watch the person being towed. This person acts as a spotter and helps the operator know what’s happening behind them.

You can substitute wide-angle rearview mirrors for the observer. But here’s the catch: the mirrors must be factory-installed or specified by the PWC manufacturer. You can’t just stick some random mirrors on there.

Most experts still recommend having an actual person as a spotter even if you have mirrors. It’s safer and more reliable.

What You Cannot Do on a Jet Ski

Minnesota law specifically bans certain behaviors on jet skis. These aren’t suggestions. They’re illegal.

You cannot operate a jet ski facing backward. Ever. Even if you think you’re skilled enough.

You cannot chase or harass wildlife. Keep your distance from birds, fish, and other animals.

You cannot operate in a way that endangers life, limb, or property. That includes reckless speed, aggressive maneuvers, or showing off near other people.

You cannot tamper with the spring-loaded throttle mechanism. It needs to return to idle automatically. Messing with this is illegal.

You cannot travel through floating vegetation faster than slow-no wake speed. This protects the environment and prevents damage to your jet ski.

Basically, don’t be reckless and don’t mess with nature. Makes sense, right?

Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)

Okay, pause. Read this carefully.

Minnesota treats boating while intoxicated exactly like driving while intoxicated. Same penalties. Same fines. Same jail time. Same impact on your insurance.

The legal limit is 0.08% blood alcohol content. If you’re at or above that level, you can be arrested for BWI.

You’re allowed to have open containers on a jet ski. You’re allowed to drink alcohol. But if you’re operating the jet ski, you cannot be legally intoxicated.

BWI Penalties

The consequences get serious fast.

Fourth-degree BWI is your first offense. You face up to $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail. You also lose your boating privileges for at least 90 days during boating season.

Third-degree BWI happens if you have one prior BWI or DWI in the past 10 years. This is a gross misdemeanor with up to $3,000 in fines and 48 hours to one year in jail or 80 hours of community service.

Second-degree BWI applies with two or more prior convictions in 10 years. Up to $3,000 in fines and 90 days to one year in jail.

First-degree BWI is a felony. Up to $14,000 in fines and three to seven years in prison.

Don’t worry, this confuses a lot of people at first. But the message is clear: don’t drink and drive your jet ski. The penalties are brutal.

Registration Requirements

Every jet ski in Minnesota must be registered with the state. No exceptions.

You register through the Minnesota DNR or any deputy registrar of motor vehicles. Registrations last for three calendar years.

Your registration number must be displayed on both sides of the jet ski. The numbers need to be in block letters, three inches high, in a color that contrasts with your jet ski’s color.

You must keep your registration certificate on board at all times. Conservation officers can ask to see it anytime.

New jet skis need the original Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin. Used jet skis from private sellers need a signed title from the previous owner. The transfer fee is $17.

Not too complicated, honestly.

Accident Reporting Requirements

If you’re in an accident, Minnesota law requires you to take specific steps.

Stop immediately. Render assistance to anyone injured unless doing so would endanger you or others.

You must report the accident to the county sheriff if it results in death, injury requiring more than basic first aid, complete loss of any vessel, or property damage over a certain amount.

Report as soon as possible. Use the quickest means available.

You need to provide your name, address, and vessel registration number to anyone injured or whose property was damaged.

This one’s probably the most important rule for serious situations. Follow it exactly.

Special Circumstances and Exemptions

Out-of-state visitors can operate without a Minnesota permit for up to 60 days. You just need to meet your home state’s boating education requirements.

Maritime professionals with a valid Coast Guard or Canadian license are exempt. Boat dealers operating under a dealer’s license are also exempt.

If you’re renting a jet ski, the rental company must provide you with a summary of PWC laws and safety instruction. They must also keep a record that you received and read the laws.

People under 18 who rent must show their watercraft operator’s permit before renting.

Enforcement and Violations

Conservation officers and county sheriffs enforce these laws throughout Minnesota. They patrol lakes and rivers regularly, especially during busy summer weekends.

Most violations are misdemeanors. Some are gross misdemeanors or even felonies depending on the severity.

The new permit law violation carries about a $130 fine. Other equipment violations are petty misdemeanors.

During the first few years of the new permit law, officers focus on education over citations. They’ll likely give warnings unless there’s a clear safety risk or you’re a repeat offender.

Still, it’s better to just follow the rules from the start. Trust me on this one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance for my jet ski in Minnesota? Minnesota doesn’t require jet ski insurance by law. But most experts strongly recommend it. Accidents can result in serious liability, and insurance protects you financially.

Can I ride my jet ski on any lake in Minnesota? Most public lakes allow jet skis, but some have local restrictions. Always check with local authorities before riding on a new lake. Some areas ban PWCs entirely.

What happens if I lose my watercraft operator’s permit? You can get a replacement card easily. Visit the ilostmycard website and request a new one. Your permit never expires, so once you have it, you’re set for life.

Can I operate a jet ski if I’m from another state? Yes, for up to 60 days. After that, you need to meet Minnesota’s requirements. Make sure you comply with your home state’s boating education requirements during those 60 days.

Do children need their own life jacket on a jet ski? Yes. Every person on a jet ski must wear their own Coast Guard approved life jacket. No sharing. No exceptions. Kids under 10 must wear one on all boats, including jet skis.

Final Thoughts

Minnesota’s jet ski laws are stricter than a lot of people realize. The new permit requirements catch many riders by surprise. But honestly, these rules exist for good reasons.

Stay informed about the age requirements for your birth year. Get your watercraft operator’s permit before you need it. Follow the equipment, speed, and operating hour rules. Don’t drink and operate.

When in doubt, look it up or ask a conservation officer. They’re there to help keep everyone safe on the water.

Now you know the basics. Enjoy Minnesota’s lakes responsibly this summer.

References

1. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – New Boater Education Law: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/boater-education-law.html
2. Minnesota Statute 86B.313 – Personal Watercraft Regulations: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/86b.313
3. BOATERexam.com – Minnesota Boating Laws and Regulations: https://www.boaterexam.com/usa/minnesota/regulations/
4. Minnesota DNR – Watercraft Licenses and Registration: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/watercraft/index.html
5. Minnesota DWI Laws – Boating While Intoxicated Penalties: https://dui.drivinglaws.org/resources/minnesota-boating-while-intoxicated.html