1. (1) Before transporting a conveyance on a highway, an individual shall:

   1. (a) remove all drain plugs and similar devices that prevent drainage of raw water systems on the conveyance; and
   2. (b) to the extent feasible, drain all water from live wells, bilges, ballast tanks, and similar compartments on the conveyance.

2. (2) Before launching a conveyance in a Utah waterbody, unless exempt under Subsection 23A-10-304(3) or 23A-10-201(7), a nonresident vessel owner shall:

   1. (a) pay the annual aquatic invasive species fee; and
   2. (b) display the aquatic invasive species decal in accordance with Subsection 23A-10-201(6);
   3. (c) Except as provided in Subsection (7), satisfy all decontamination requirements if that equipment or conveyance has been in a waterbody or water supply system subject to decontamination requirements in the previous 30 days.

3. (3) Before launching a conveyance in a Utah waterbody, unless exempt under Subsection 23A-10-304(3) or 23A-10-201(7), a nonresident operator of a vessel shall:

   1. (a) successfully complete the Watercraft Operator Safety Course; and
   2. (b) provide proof of compliance when requested by a peace officer.
4. (4) The owner, operator, or possessor of any equipment or conveyance that has been in a waterbody subject to decontamination requirements shall inspect the interior and exterior of the equipment or conveyance for the presence of invasive mussels immediately upon exiting the waterbody and before leaving the take out site.

5. (5)(a) If all water in the equipment or conveyance is drained and the inspection undertaken pursuant to Subsection (4) reveals the equipment and conveyance are free from mussels or shelled organisms, fish, plants and mud, the equipment and conveyance may be transported in or through the state directly from the take out site to the location where it will be:

   1. (i) decontaminated; or

      1. (ii) temporarily stored and subsequently returned to the same water body as provided in Subsection (7).
   2. (b) All drain plugs and similar devices that prevent drainage of raw water systems on the conveyance shall be removed during the transport and storage of a conveyance.

6. (6) Equipment and conveyances may not be moved from a take out site of an infested, suspected, or detected water body, or a water body subject to a closure order or control plan requiring decontamination, unless:

   1. (a) the operator satisfies the requirements of Subsection (5); or
   2. (b) the operator receives prior written authorization to move the equipment or conveyance to a designated location to complete decontamination requirements.

7. (7) Decontamination is not required when a conveyance or equipment is removed from an infested water or other water body subject to decontamination requirements, provided the conveyance and equipment is:

   1. (a) inspected and drained at the take out site, and is free from attached mussels, shelled organisms, fish, plants, and mud as required in Subsections (1) and (2);
   2. (b) returned and launched at the same water body; and
   3. (c) not placed in or on any other Utah water body in the interim without first being decontaminated.

8. (8)(a) Division of Law Enforcement personnel may provide the operator of a vessel leaving an infested water, or any water subject to a closure order under Section R657-60-8 or control plan under Section R657-60-9, with an inspection certification indicating the date that vessel left the water body.

   1. (b) A person who receives a certification of inspection from the Division of Law Enforcement must retain that certification of inspection until:

      1. (i) the person returns to the same body of water and receives a new certification of inspection upon leaving the water body;
      2. (ii) the person completes a certification of decontamination; or
      3. (iii) the person receives a professional decontamination certificate.

KEY: fish, wildlife, wildlife law

Date of Last Change: June 23, 2026

Notice of Continuation: July 5, 2023

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 23A-10-401; 23A-2-304; 23A-2-305