Legal Operation
How must registration numbers be displayed on a boat?
Answer
On both sides of the forward half (bow), in plain block letters that read left to right, contrasting with the hull
Registration numbers go on both sides of the bow, in plain vertical block characters at least three inches tall, in a color that contrasts with the hull, reading left to right. The validation sticker is displayed near the numbers.
Source: U.S. Coast Guard / Office of the Federal Register — 33 CFR 173.27, Numbers: Display; size; color; 33 CFR 173.35 — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-33/section-173.27
Not the answer
- They do not have to be visible
- Written small on the floor
- On the stern only, in any color
Practice this
The boater safety certification exam is 50 questions and takes 40 correct — 80% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.
Take the free practice test