Quote:
Originally Posted by d-mac
I am of the belief that I am not required to have my drivers license with me or am required to show it to any MP agent if just for boat inspection or if writing a ticket. Of course I need the boating license but I am specifically only questioning the Drivers license
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The first thing to point out is Marine Patrol Officers are not "agents," they are Police Officers (peace officers for the definition below) part of the NH State Police. As for your license, you do not need to have a license to operate a boat (you need your certificate as you stated), but you do need to provide identification. If you don't have it with you, the Marine Patrol can escort you back to wherever you have it if they don't think you are being forthright.
From NH RSAs:
270:12-b Disobeying an Officer. –
I. No person, while operating or otherwise in charge of a vessel, raft, or float of any kind, type, or character or an amphibian or pontoon aircraft under step speed shall:
(a) Knowingly refuse, when requested by a peace officer or agent of the director, to give his name, address, and date of birth, and the name and address of the owner of the vessel, raft, float or amphibian or pontoon aircraft of any kind, type, or character;
(b) Knowingly refuse, on demand of a peace officer or agent of the director, to sign his name in the presence of such officer or agent;
(c) Knowingly refuse, on demand of a peace officer or agent of the director, to produce some means of positive identification such as a driver's license, passport, or other document, or to verify his identity by some other means so that the identity of the operator or person otherwise in charge of a vessel can be determined with reasonable certainty by such peace officer or agent of the director