Illinois Compiled Statutes 625 ILCS 45 Boat Registration and Safety Act. Section 4-2

    (625 ILCS 45/4-2) (from Ch. 95 1/2, par. 314-2)

    Sec. 4-2. Lights.

    A. It is unlawful to operate any vessel less than 39 feet in length unless the following lights are carried and displayed when underway from sunset to sunrise:

        1. A bright, white light after to show all around the

    horizon, visible for a distance of 2 miles. The word "visible" as used herein means visible on a dark night with clear atmosphere.

        2. A combination light in the forepart of the boat

    lower than the white light after, showing green to starboard and red to port, so fixed as to throw a light from dead ahead to 2 points abaft the beam on their respective sides and visible for a distance of not less than 1 mile.

        3. Lights under International Rules may be shown as

    an alternative to the above requirements.

    B. Watercraft propelled by muscular power when underway shall carry on board from sunset to sunrise, but not fixed to any part of the boat, a lantern or flashlight capable of showing a white light visible all around the horizon at a distance of 2 miles or more, and shall display such lantern in sufficient time to avoid collision with another watercraft.

    C. Every vessel 39 feet or more in length shall carry and display when underway such additional or alternate lights as shall be required by the U. S. Coast Guard for watercraft of equivalent length and type.

    D. Sailboats equipped with motors and being propelled partly or solely by such motors shall carry and display the same lights required for motorboats of the same class. Sailboats being propelled entirely by sail between sunset and sunrise shall have lighted the combination running light, and a white light visible aft only. Sailboats 26 feet or more in length, equipped with motors but being propelled entirely by sail between sunset and sunrise, shall have lighted the colored side lights suitably screened, but not the white lights prescribed for motorboats.

    E. Dinghies, tenders and other watercraft, whose principal function is as an auxiliary to other larger watercraft, when so operating need carry only a flashlight visible to other craft in the area, anything in this section to the contrary notwithstanding.

    F. Vessels at anchor between the hours of sunset and sunrise, except those in a "Special Anchorage Area", shall display such anchor lights as shall be required by the U. S. Coast Guard for watercraft of equivalent length and type.

    G. Watercraft operated manually or by motor which are located on bodies of water where motors of over 7 1/2 horsepower are prohibited must be equipped during the hours between sunset and sunrise with a lantern or flashlight which is capable of showing a beam for 2 miles, anything in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding.

(Source: P.A. 88-524.)

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Last modified: February 18, 2015