A. Applicability: The requirements of this section shall apply to the operation of any watercraft upon public waters, and shall be enforced by the Bonner County Sheriff's Department.
B. Noise Levels: It shall be unlawful for any person to operate, or permit the operation of, any watercraft on the waters of Bonner County in such a manner as to exceed the following noise levels:
1. For motorboats manufactured before January 1, 1995, a noise level of ninety (90) decibels.
2. For motorboats manufactured on or after January 1, 1995, a noise level of eighty eight (88) decibels.
C. Mufflers: No person shall operate, or give permission for the operation of, any motorboat on the waters of the State of Idaho that is equipped with an altered muffler or a muffler cutout, bypass or other device designed or so installed so that it can be used to continually or intermittently bypass or otherwise reduce or eliminate the effectiveness of any muffler or muffler system installed in accordance with the provisions of this section.
D. Sound Amplification Systems: It is unlawful for any operator of a vessel to cause, operate, or permit the operation of, any sound amplification system to include but not limited to items such as radios, compact disc players or attached portable music devices which can be heard outside of the vessel from two hundred (200) or more feet when the vessel is being operated on Bonner County waters, unless that system is being operated to request assistance or warn of a hazardous situation.
1. Exceptions: This section shall not apply to any motor driven watercraft being operated under emergency conditions or by any authorized agent of any law enforcement agency of the State of Idaho, or the United States of America, or any political subdivision, while said agent is acting in the performance of his duties, or any aircraft which is landing or taking off on the water.
E. Violation: A violation of this section shall constitute an infraction. (Ord. 568, 9-7-2017)