Subdivision 1. Operation in excess of noise limits prohibited. A person may not operate a motorboat under any condition of load, acceleration, or deceleration in a manner that exceeds the noise limits contained in subdivision 2.
Subd. 2. Noise limits. (a) The noise limits for the total noise from the marine engine or motorboat may not exceed:
(1) for marine engines or motorboats manufactured before January 1, 1982, a noise level of 84 decibels on the A scale measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorboat or equivalent noise levels at other distances as specified by the commissioner in a pass-by test or 86 decibels on the A scale measured at idle in a stationary test at least four feet above the water and at least four feet behind the transom of the motorboat being tested; and
(2) for marine engines or motorboats manufactured on or after January 1, 1982, a noise level of 82 decibels on the A scale measured at a distance of 50 feet from the motorboat or equivalent noise levels at other distances as specified by the commissioner in a pass-by test or 84 decibels on the A scale measured at idle in a stationary test at least four feet above the water and at least four feet behind the transom of the motorboat being tested.
(b) The noise limits in paragraph (a) do not preclude enforcement of other laws relating to motorboat noise. The officer or deputy doing the testing shall determine which test or tests shall be used. Failure to pass either the pass-by or stationary idle test is a violation of this section.
(c) Equivalent noise levels under paragraph (a) shall be specified by the commissioner by written order and published in the State Register. The noise level determinations are exempt from the rulemaking provisions of chapter 14, and section 14.386 does not apply.
Subd. 3. Applicability. The provisions of this section do not apply to motorboats operating under a permit issued under section 86B.121 or a United States Coast Guard marine event permit in a regatta or race while on trial runs or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit.
1990 c 391 art 9 s 16; 1993 c 13 art 1 s 22; 2004 c 221 s 25; 2004 c 255 s 24
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 85 - 87A — Recreation
Chapter 86B — Water Safety And Watercraft
Section 86B.001 — Water Use Policy.
Section 86B.005 — Definitions.
Section 86B.101 — Watercraft Safety Program.
Section 86B.105 — Sheriff's Safety Program.
Section 86B.106 — Barring Vehicles From Unsafe Ice.
Section 86B.107 — Removing Submerged Vehicles From State Waters.
Section 86B.111 — Navigation Markers And Buoys.
Section 86B.115 — Using Docks And Structures For Advertising.
Section 86B.121 — Races, Competitions, And Exhibitions.
Section 86B.125 — Leased Watercraft.
Section 86B.13 — Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program.
Section 86B.201 — State Law And Local Ordinance Authority.
Section 86B.205 — Water Surface Use Ordinance.
Section 86B.211 — Water Safety Rules.
Section 86B.301 — Watercraft Licenses Required.
Section 86B.305 — Youth Operators.
Section 86B.311 — General Rules For Operation.
Section 86B.313 — Personal Watercraft; Regulations.
Section 86B.315 — Towing Person On Water Skis Or Other Device.
Section 86B.321 — Noise Limits.
Section 86B.325 — Discharge From Marine Toilets Prohibited.
Section 86B.33 — Operating While Impaired.
Section 86B.335 — Testing For Alcohol And Controlled Substances.
Section 86B.341 — Duties And Liabilities At Accident Or Incident.
Section 86B.401 — Watercraft Licenses.
Section 86B.405 — Dealer's License.
Section 86B.411 — Government Watercraft Licenses.
Section 86B.415 — License Fees.
Section 86B.421 — Licensing By Political Subdivisions.
Section 86B.501 — Personal Flotation And Lifesaving Devices.
Section 86B.505 — Watercraft Capacity Plates.
Section 86B.515 — Sirens And Sound-producing Devices.
Section 86B.521 — Motorboat Noise Control.
Section 86B.525 — Device For Arresting Backfire.
Section 86B.531 — Fire Extinguishers And Fuel Area Ventilation.
Section 86B.532 — Carbon Monoxide Detection; System Requirements.
Section 86B.535 — Marine Toilets.
Section 86B.601 — Scuba Diving.
Section 86B.701 — Funding County Water Safety.
Section 86B.705 — Allocating Water Recreation Account, Fines, And Forfeited Bail Money.
Section 86B.706 — Water Recreation Account; Receipts And Purpose.
Section 86B.801 — Enforcement Authority.
Section 86B.805 — Enforcement Watercraft.
Section 86B.811 — Criminal Penalties.
Section 86B.815 — Violation As Evidence In Civil Action.
Section 86B.820 — Definitions.
Section 86B.825 — Certificate Of Title Required.
Section 86B.830 — Applying For And Issuing Certificate Of Title.
Section 86B.835 — Dealer Acquisition And Transfer.
Section 86B.840 — Transfer By Owner.
Section 86B.841 — Transfer-on-death Title To Watercraft.
Section 86B.845 — Temporary Watercraft Use Permits.
Section 86B.850 — Duplicate Certificate.
Section 86B.855 — Suspending Or Revoking Certificate.
Section 86B.860 — Responsibilities Of Commissioner.
Section 86B.875 — Inapplicable Liens And Security Interests.
Section 86B.880 — Security Interests.
Section 86B.885 — Owner-created Security Interest.
Section 86B.890 — Licensed Watercraft Previously Perfected.
Section 86B.895 — Satisfaction Of Security Interest.
Section 86B.900 — Disclosing Security Agreement.
Section 86B.905 — Effect Of Suspension Or Revocation On Security Interest.
Section 86B.910 — Undisclosed Security Interests.