Boating across Lake Michigan, the Chain O’Lakes or Lake Monroe may feel routine, but the rules change as soon as you cross into a different state. Illinois and Indiana each enforce their own laws on who can legally drive a boat, what must be on board and how to respond after a crash. Overlooking these differences can cause problems, especially if someone gets injured or law enforcement intervenes.
Equipment requirements depend on your boat and location
Both Illinois and Indiana require children under 13 to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when the boat is moving. Indiana goes further by setting specific requirements for certain types of vessels, including jet skis and boats with more powerful engines. These boats must carry additional safety gear, depending on horsepower and design. If a passenger suffers an injury and the vessel lacks the required equipment, investigators may hold the operator more accountable for what happened.
Who can legally drive a boat varies by state
In Illinois, operators born on or after January 1, 1998 must complete a certified boating safety course. Indiana offers two pathways—you can either complete a course or present a valid driver’s license. That flexibility only applies within Indiana. A person cleared to operate a boat in one state might not meet the legal standard in the other. If they cause an accident in Illinois without proper credentials, the consequences may include fines, limited insurance support or increased legal exposure.
Same alcohol limit, different enforcement rules
Both Illinois and Indiana ban boating with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. However, Indiana enforces refusal laws more strictly. Refusing a chemical test when requested by an officer can lead to automatic penalties, such as loss of boating privileges. If injuries occur and alcohol is suspected, how Indiana handles refusals may increase the severity of the case against the person driving the boat.
Reporting rules change with the shoreline
In Illinois, boaters have up to five days to report accidents involving injury, death or $2,000 or more in damage. Indiana’s rules are stricter. You must file a report within 48 hours if someone is hurt, and immediately if there is a fatality. If you miss these deadlines, it may become harder to file a claim, answer questions from authorities or support your side of the story later.
What you do not know could cost you
The water may feel the same, but the laws do not. If a passenger is injured or your boat is involved in an accident, local rules decide what happens next. Knowing those differences before your next outing can help protect your safety, your passengers and your ability to respond confidently this summer.
