06-14-2012, 02:35 PM
I was fishing at East Canyon on May 25th.
A DNR field officer inspected my boat and issued me a citation for "No evidence of owner operator security (insurance) aboard vessel."
Only problem is, Utah State laws say that a vessel is not classified as a motorboat if the motor horsepower is less than 50. Vessels with a motor horsepower less than 50 are exempt.
My boat is a little 16' bass tracker with a 45 HP motor.
Nevertheless, the citation was issued and I am finding myself in and out of courtrooms, taking days off work not to mention the gas I spend driving to Morgan County and back.
I'm thinking that a high percentage of boats putting on at East Canyon must be fishing boats with motors less than 50 HP.
I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone else. They collect HEFTY fines for this.
I can't help but draw one of two conlusions about the field officer.
1) He is ignorant of the law. (Seems like this is one he should be very familiar with.)
2) He knows the law and is hoping that most people will just pay the fine rather than fight it like me.
I'm looking for anyone else who has had a similar experience. I am trying to gather information about filing a formal complaint against a field office.
Thanks guys!
G
[signature]
A DNR field officer inspected my boat and issued me a citation for "No evidence of owner operator security (insurance) aboard vessel."
Only problem is, Utah State laws say that a vessel is not classified as a motorboat if the motor horsepower is less than 50. Vessels with a motor horsepower less than 50 are exempt.
My boat is a little 16' bass tracker with a 45 HP motor.
Nevertheless, the citation was issued and I am finding myself in and out of courtrooms, taking days off work not to mention the gas I spend driving to Morgan County and back.
I'm thinking that a high percentage of boats putting on at East Canyon must be fishing boats with motors less than 50 HP.
I'm wondering if this has happened to anyone else. They collect HEFTY fines for this.
I can't help but draw one of two conlusions about the field officer.
1) He is ignorant of the law. (Seems like this is one he should be very familiar with.)
2) He knows the law and is hoping that most people will just pay the fine rather than fight it like me.
I'm looking for anyone else who has had a similar experience. I am trying to gather information about filing a formal complaint against a field office.
Thanks guys!
G
[signature]