Code of Vermont Rules
Agency 14 - AGENCY OF TRANSPORTATION
Sub-Agency 050 - MOTOR VEHICLES DEPARTMENT
Chapter 024 - REGISTRATION OF MOTORBOATS AND REGATTAS, RACES, MARINE PARADES, TOURNAMENTS OR EXHIBITIONS
Section 14 050 024 - REGISTRATION OF MOTORBOATS AND REGATTAS, RACES, MARINE PARADES, TOURNAMENTS OR EXHIBITIONS

Universal Citation: VT Code of Rules 14 050 024

Current through August, 2024

Section 1 Authorization

These rules are entitled and may be referred to as "Rules Governing the Registration of Motorboats and Regattas, Races, Marine Parades, Tournaments or Exhibitions" and have been adopted by the authority under provisions of 23 V.S.A. §§ 3316 and 3318.

Section 2 Numbering Requirements

The numbers issued pursuant to 23 V.S.A. §§ 3305 and 3307 shall:

(a) Consist of the symbols VT in capital letters identifying the State of Vermont followed by not more than four (4) Arabic numerals followed by not more than one (1) capital letter. The group of numerals appearing between letters shall be separated by a space. Example: VT 1234 A.

(b) Be painted on, or attached to each side of the bow of the vessel for which issued and shall read from left to right. They shall be in block characters of good proportion not less than 3 inches in height and shall be so placed as to provide clear legibility for surface identification. The characters shall be of a color which will contrast with the color of the hull, so as to be clearly legible, i.e., dark characters on a light hull, light characters on a dark hull.

It shall be the owner's responsibility to maintain registration characters in a legible condition at all times.

Metal or plastic characters may be used provided same are securely fastened on the vessel at all times. Decalcomanic characters are prohibited.

(d) Numbering requirements shall apply to motorboats operated by dealers and manufacturers.

(1) The manufacturer(s) or dealer(s) may have the number(s) awarded printed upon or attached to a movable sign or signs to be temporarily, but firmly, mounted upon or attached to the boat being demonstrated or tested so long as the display meets the requirements of 23 V.S.A. § 3305(b).

Section 3 Application for Number

The owner of each motorboat requiring numbering by this state shall file an application for a number with the Department of Motor Vehicles on forms provided by the department.

A manufacturer or dealer may have any number of Certificates of Number awarded; provided, however, that upon the sale of any such vessel by said manufacturer or dealer, the new owner shall make application for a registration number in the manner provided for in these regulations.

Section 4 Transferring

Registration of a motorboat ends when the owner transfers title thereto to another. The former owner shall immediately return directly to the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles registration certificate previously assigned to the transferred motorboat with the date of transfer and the name and address of the new owner endorsed on the back of the registration certificate. If new owner wishes to retain the registration number on motorboat purchased, the applicant must complete a new application and return with fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Section 5 Proof of Payment of Tax

(a) 23 V.S.A. § 3322 provides that:

"No license, permit, registration or similar authorization to own or operate any motorboat shall be issued under this chapter until proof of payment of or exemption from the tax imposed by 32 V.S.A. Chapter 233 has been established in the manner prescribed by the Commissioner of Taxes".

(b) Appropriate use tax returns (Vermont Department of Taxes Form S4-B) are available from:

(1) Vermont Department of Taxes

109 State Street

Montpelier, Vermont 05602

(2) Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles

120 State Street

Montpelier, Vermont 05603-0001

Section 6 Period of Validity

All Certificates of Number awarded shall continue in full force and effect for one year from the first day of the month of issue. All Certificates of Number awarded to a dealer or manufacturer shall expire at the same time the dealer license expires.

Section 7 Renewal Requirements

Application for renewal of number and payment of renewal fee shall be made to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the same number will be issued upon proper renewal.

Section 8 Validation Stickers

Two validating stickers, supplied by the Department of Motor Vehicles, indicating registration year, will be attached as follows:

(a) Port side ahead of the registration number.

(b) Starboard side to the rear of the registration number.

EXAMPLE:

PORT SIDE: 76 VT 1234 A

STARBOARD SIDE: VT 1234 A 76

Section 9 Temporary numbers

Temporary number (plates) may be obtained by manufacturers and dealers for a fee as established in Title 23 § 3305(j). Numbers so issued will bear the date of issue and name and address of the manufacturer or dealer issuing same. The dealer or manufacturer will also complete and detach the temporary plate stub and forward same, within 72 hours to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Temporary (plates) numbers are valid for 60 days from date of issue. The dealer or manufacturer shall also require the purchaser receiving temporary number plates to complete a registration certificate application and pay the appropriate fee. The dealer or manufacturer shall, within 72 hours of receipt thereof, forward both the purchaser's application and fee to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

A dealer will not issue more than one 60 day temporary plate for the same transaction unless authorized by the department.

Section 10 Acquiring Vessel After Initial Registration Period

Every owner acquiring a motorboat shall, before using such vessel on the waters of this state, make application for number to the Department of Motor Vehicles, in the same manner as provided for in the initial registration application (see item (3) above). Nothing herein contained shall be construed to authorize the use of any unregistered motorboat upon the waters of the state without the Certificate of Number and unless the number is painted on or attached to the vessel.

Section 11 Accident Reporting

(a) Whenever death or injury to a person or property damage in excess of one hundred dollars ($ 100.00) results from a boating accident, written report shall be submitted within thirty-six (36) hours.

(b) The operator(s) of the boat(s) shall submit written reports to the Department of Motor Vehicles, Montpelier, Vermont on the form prescribed by the Commissioner.

Section 12 Motorboat Equipment

(a) Motorboats operated on interstate or international waters which have heretofore been under the jurisdiction of the United States Coast Guard must have lights and other safety equipment as required by the Coast Guard Rules and Regulations.

(b) Motorboats being operated on interstate or inland waters of Vermont need have only the equipment as specified in 23 V.S.A. § 3306.

Section 13 Regattas, Races, Marine Parades, Tournaments or Exhibitions

Whenever a regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition is proposed to be held, the person in charge thereof shall file an application with the Department of Public Safety, at least fifteen (15) days prior thereto, for permission to hold such regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition.

The application shall set forth the date, time and location where it is proposed to hold such regatta, race, marine parade, tournament or exhibition it shall not be conducted without authorization of the Department of Public Safety.

Statutory Authority: 23 V.S.A. §§ 3316 and 3318

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Vermont may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

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