Last verified: May 25, 2026
Arkansas boating laws are enforced by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC), along with county sheriffs, Arkansas State Police, the Department of Parks and Tourism, and the U.S. Coast Guard on federal waters. This article covers the rules that apply to every boat operator in the state.
Boater Education
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1986 must complete an approved AGFC Boater Education Course before operating any motorboat or sailboat on Arkansas waters. You must carry your boater education card on board whenever you are operating. Once earned, the card is good for life.
Courses are available online, in-person, or through home study. The AGFC website lists approved providers.
Age Requirements for Operators
Motorboats (10 hp or more):
- Must be at least 12 years old to operate
- Operators under 14 must have a boater education card on board and be under the direct, on-board supervision of an adult 18 or older
Personal watercraft (PWC):
- Must be at least 16 years old to operate alone
- Ages 12 to 15 may operate under direct supervision of someone 18 or older
- Under 12 may operate under direct supervision of someone 21 or older
No driver’s license is required to operate a boat. A suspended driver’s license does not affect your ability to operate a boat in Arkansas.
Life Jacket (PFD) Requirements
- Every vessel must carry at least one USCG-approved wearable PFD per person on board
- Vessels 16 feet or longer must also have a throwable PFD (such as a ring buoy or seat cushion) on board
- All PFDs must be in good, serviceable condition and readily accessible, not buried in a compartment
- Children 12 and under must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times while on any vessel, unless they are in an enclosed cabin or railed area of a houseboat or cruiser that is not underway
- All PWC riders must wear a PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not allowed on personal watercraft
- Anyone being towed in a water sport activity (skiing, tubing, wakeboarding) must wear an approved PFD
Most inflatable life jackets must be worn to count as a legal PFD. Check the manufacturer’s label inside the jacket.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI)
Operating a vessel while impaired by alcohol or drugs is illegal. The legal BAC limit is 0.08%, or 0.02% for operators under 21. Arkansas has implied consent laws, meaning that by operating a boat you have consented to a sobriety evaluation if stopped.
Penalties:
| Offense | Fine | Jail Time | Operating Ban |
|---|---|---|---|
| First offense | Up to $1,000 | Up to 1 year | 90 days |
| Second offense (within 3 years) | Up to $2,500 | Up to 1 year | 1 year |
| Third offense (within 3 years) | Up to $5,000 | Minimum 60 days | 3 years |
No-Wake Zones and Speed Limits
You may not exceed no-wake speed (5 mph) within 100 feet of:
- Swimming and recreation areas
- Docks, piers, rafts, or floats
- Anchored boats
- Dam intakes or other obstructions
Posted no-wake zones must also be obeyed. Individual lakes and rivers may have additional speed restrictions, so check for signage before you launch.
Reckless and Careless Operation
Arkansas law prohibits:
- Operating in designated swimming areas
- Weaving through congested traffic
- Creating a dangerous wake
- Harassing wildlife
- Overloading a vessel beyond its safe capacity
Navigation Lights
If operating at night or during reduced visibility (fog, rain), your boat must display USCG-approved navigation lights:
- Red and green bow lights (port and starboard)
- White stern light visible 360 degrees
On federal waters, lights must meet USCG Inland Rules of Navigation specifications. On state-only waters, lighting must be sufficient to make your vessel’s presence and location known to other boats.
Fire Extinguishers
A fire extinguisher is required on board if your vessel has any of the following:
- An inboard engine
- Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks or flammable materials may be stored
- Permanently installed fuel tanks
Liability Insurance
Liability insurance is required for motorboats with engines over 50 horsepower and all personal watercraft. The minimum is $50,000 per occurrence. Proof must be carried on board. For the full details, see our Arkansas boat insurance guide.
Accident Reporting
If you are involved in a boating accident, you must:
- Stop immediately and assist anyone who is injured
- Provide identification to the other parties involved
- Notify the AGFC or local sheriff if anyone is injured, killed, or property damage exceeds $2,000
Registration
All motorized and sail-powered vessels must be registered with the Arkansas DFA and carry a valid certificate of number on board. Registration is valid for 3 years. For the full registration process and fees, see our Arkansas boat registration requirements guide.
BoatForms helps Arkansas boat owners complete their registration paperwork accurately before submitting to the DFA.