Subdivision 1. Application of state law. The provisions of this chapter and of other applicable laws of this state shall govern the operation, equipment, numbering, and all other related matters for a watercraft operated on the waters of this state, or the time when an activity regulated by this chapter may take place.

Subd. 2. Local authority to adopt ordinance. (a) This chapter does not limit the authority of a political subdivision of this state to adopt regulations that are not inconsistent with this chapter and the rules of the commissioner relating to the use of waters of this state that are wholly or partly within the territorial boundaries of a county or entirely within the boundaries of a city.

(b) A city of the first class of over 200,000 or the park board of the city may forbid the use of motorboats or boats with attached motors on its lakes.

Subd. 3. Nonmotorized carry-on access. A person may access any public waters through public land with a hand-carried nonmotorized watercraft.

Subd. 4. Construction area restrictions. The commissioner, after consulting with the governmental units and contractors involved in a construction project, may adopt, by written order, temporary water surface use controls for recreational uses at public construction and maintenance sites that cross or are adjacent to waters of the state for a period of time not to exceed the duration of the construction or maintenance project. Temporary controls adopted under this subdivision are exempt from the rulemaking requirements of chapter 14 and section 14.386 does not apply.

History: 1990 c 391 art 9 s 9; 1997 c 226 s 11; 1Sp2015 c 4 art 5 s 5