Sec. 5. (a) If the bureau determines that a person applying to register a watercraft is entitled to register the watercraft, the bureau shall register the watercraft and issue to the applicant proof of registration for display on the watercraft and a certificate of registration.

     (b) Proof of registration for display on the watercraft must be displayed in a manner prescribed by the department of natural resources, including the following:

(1) The registration number set forth in the certificate of registration must be displayed on each side of the bow of the watercraft. The display must be legible. However, a watercraft that has a valid marine document issued by the United States Bureau of Customs is not required to display the registration number.

(2) If a watercraft is required to be registered under 33 C.F.R. § part 173, the registration number must be displayed in the manner prescribed by 33 C.F.R. § 173.27.

(3) Decals indicating the year of expiration of registration, with a unique identification number and a different color than colors used for the previous registration year, must be affixed:

(A) to the bow of each side of the watercraft, within three (3) inches to the right of the watercraft’s registration number; or

(B) on each side of the forward half of the bow above the water line of the watercraft if a registration number is not required to be displayed.

However, the department of natural resources may adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 providing that the decals do not have to be affixed to a particular type of watercraft.

     (c) A number other than the number awarded to a watercraft or granted reciprocity under this chapter may not be painted, attached, or otherwise displayed on each side of the bow of the watercraft.

     (d) A person that fails to:

(1) carry a certificate of registration or a legible reproduction of a certificate of registration; or

(2) display proof of registration for display on the watercraft as required by the department of natural resources;

commits a Class C infraction.

     (e) Certificates of registration, decals, and other proof of registration issued under this section:

(1) remain the property of the bureau; and

(2) may be revoked, canceled, or repossessed as provided by law.

     (f) A person who knowingly or intentionally falsifies, predates, changes, or counterfeits proof of registration for a watercraft commits a Class C misdemeanor.

As added by P.L.164-2020, SEC.38.