Boaters are supposed to stop at AIS inspection stations every time

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ wardens would like to remind watercraft users that they must stop every time they pass an AIS inspection station, even if they have previously been inspected.

For example, if a person goes through an inspection station at 7 a.m. and receives a copy of the watercraft inspection form, and then drives past the same inspection station at 2 p.m. on their way home, they need to stop again.

It’s not uncommon for folks to bypass inspection stations after already being inspected, thinking they are in the clear for the day, or even the weekend, with the copy of the inspection form.

“Montana law requires that Boaters stop every time they encounter and inspection station. Having a copy of a previous inspection will speed things along during an inspection, but it does not give a boater the right to bypass a station,” said FWP Boating Law Administrator Phil Kilbreath.

Vehicles with a vessel that pass an inspection station without stopping will be pulled over.

Boaters can also use the Watercraft Inspection Passport as proof of inspection. Instead of a paper receipt, the inspector will stamp the boat owner’s passport with the station name and date. Passports are issued to boaters at the watercraft inspection stations.

Folks camping at Canyon Ferry or Tiber Reservoirs can get a validation pass to speed the process up at decontamination stations at these reservoirs.

 

Reader Comments(0)