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Bill > HB121


GA HB121

GA HB121
Waters, ports, and watercraft; wakesurfing and wakeboarding; provide restrictions and requirements


summary

Introduced
01/30/2023
In Committee
03/23/2023
Crossed Over
02/22/2023
Passed
04/06/2023
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
05/02/2023

Introduced Session

2023-2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Article 1 of Chapter 7 of Title 52 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to registration, operation, and sale of watercraft generally, so as to provide for restrictions and requirements relative to wakesurfing and wakeboarding in certain instances; to provide for exceptions; to provide for definitions; to amend Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to motor vehicles and traffic, so as to provide for a definition; to provide for the operation of multipurpose off-highway vehicles on certain highways; to provide for registration of such vehicles; to provide for issuance of license plates for multipurpose off-highway vehicles; to provide for an annual licensing fee; to provide for issuance of a certificate of title by the Department of Revenue; to provide for equipment and operating standards for multipurpose off-highway vehicles; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill makes several changes to Georgia's laws related to watercraft and off-highway vehicles: It defines "wakeboarding" and "wakesurfing," and places restrictions on these activities, such as prohibiting them between sunset and sunrise, within 200 feet of certain structures or shorelines, and without wearing a personal flotation device, with some exceptions. The bill also expands the definition of "multipurpose off-highway vehicle" to include vehicles that can operate at speeds up to 65 mph (previously 50 mph), and allows for the registration and titling of these vehicles, including the issuance of license plates and an annual licensing fee. Additionally, the bill provides standards for the equipment and operation of multipurpose off-highway vehicles on certain highways in Georgia, such as allowing them to operate on county roads and cross state/municipal highways.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (7)

Last Action

Effective Date 2023-07-01 (on 05/02/2023)

Bill Topics

Transportation
  • ‐ Highway Construction, Maintenance, and Safety
  • ‐ Maritime Issues
  • ‐ Truck and Automobile Safety

bill text


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