12.11.340    ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY

(1) State fish and game wardens are hereby authorized and directed to enforce the laws of the state of Montana, and the regulations of the commission, relating to the operation, use, and equipment of boats and other water vessels within the state with regard to, but not limited to, licensing, identification numbering, display of decals, equipment, boat liveries, operations, discharge of wastes, traffic, restricted areas of operation, loading and powering, rendering of assistance, reporting of accidents, towing of water skiers or surf boarders, commercial fishing from boats, and method of catching fish from boats.

(2) In the performance of the authorities and duties hereinbefore provided for, wardens are hereby authorized to halt, delay, board, or inspect any boat or other vessel on the waters of the state; provided that any and all such halting, boarding, or inspection shall be conducted in a reasonable manner and at reasonable times under the circumstances.

(3) All persons operating, or in charge of operating, any boat or vessel on the waters of this state shall bring such boat or vessel to a stop upon a request or demand of any warden and shall permit such warden to reasonably board and inspect such boat or vessel as in these regulations prescribed.

History: 23-2-506, 87-1-303, MCA; IMP, 23-2-506, MCA; Eff. 12/31/72; AMD, Eff. 4/5/76; TRANS, from ARM 12.6.802, 2001 MAR p. 18, Eff. 1/12/01.