Arizona Administrative Code
Title 12 - NATURAL RESOURCES
Chapter 4 - GAME AND FISH COMMISSION
Article 5 - BOATING AND WATER SPORTS
Section R12-4-516 - Watercraft Sound Level Restriction

Universal Citation: AZ Admin Code R 12-4-516

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 38, September 20, 2024

A. A person shall not operate a watercraft upon the waters of this state if the watercraft emits a noise level that exceeds any of the following.

1. A noise level of 86 dB(A), measured at a distance of 50 feet or more from the watercraft on the "A" weighted scale of a sound level instrument that conforms to recognized industry standards and is maintained according to the manufacturer's instructions.

2. For engines manufactured:
a. Before January 1, 1993, a noise level of 90 dB(A) when subjected to the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice stationary sound level test SAEJ2005, revised July 2004 and containing no later editions or amendments; and

b. On or after January 1, 1993, a noise level of 88 dB(A) when subjected to the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice stationary sound level test SAEJ2005, revised July 2004 and containing no later editions or amendments; or

3. A noise level of 75 dB(A) measured as specified in the Society of Automotive Engineers Recommended Practice shoreline sound test SAEJ1970, revised September 2003 and containing no later editions or amendments.

B. The materials incorporated by reference in subsection (A) may be viewed at any Department office and are available for purchase from SAE International, 400 Commonwealth Dr, Warrendale, PA 15096-0001 or online at www.sae.org.

C. A measurement of noise level that is in compliance with this Section does not preclude the conducting of a test or multiple tests of noise levels.

D. A peace officer authorized to enforce the provisions of this Section who has reason to believe a watercraft is being operated in violation of the noise levels established in this Section may direct the operator of the watercraft to submit the watercraft to an onsite test to measure noise level.

E. An operator of a watercraft who receives a request from a peace officer to test the noise level of the watercraft under subsection (D) shall allow the watercraft to be tested. If, based on a measurement or test to determine the noise level of a watercraft administered under this Section, the noise level of the watercraft exceeds one or more of the decibel level standards in subsection (A), the operator of the watercraft shall take immediate measures to correct the violation as prescribed under A.R.S. § 5-391(C).

F. This Section shall not apply to watercraft operated under permits issued in accordance with A.R.S. § 5-336(C).

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