Section R12-4-515. Display of AZ Numbers and Registration Decals

A.      A person shall not use or operate, or grant permission to use or operate, a watercraft on the waters within the boundaries of this state unless such watercraft displays a valid number and current registration decal in the manner as established under subsection (B). This Section does not apply to undocumented watercraft displaying a valid temporary numbering certificate authorized under R12-4-509 or exempt under A.R.S. § 3-322.

B.       The owner of a watercraft shall ensure the AZ number and reg- istration decals are displayed as follows:

1.        The AZ numbers shall:

a.         Be clearly visible and painted on or attached to each exterior side of the forward half of a non-removable portion of the watercraft;

b.        Be in a color that contrasts with the watercraft’s background color so as to be easily read from a dis- tance;

c.         Include the letters “AZ” and the suffix, separated by a hyphen or equivalent space between the letters “AZ” and the suffix; and

d.        Read from left to right in well-proportioned block letters that are not less than three inches in height, excluding outline.

2.        The registration decals shall be affixed three inches in front of “AZ” on both sides of the forward half of a non- removable portion of the watercraft.

C.      On watercraft so constructed that it is impractical or impossi- ble to display the AZ numbers in a prominent position on the forward half of the hull or permanent superstructure, the AZ numbers may be displayed on brackets or fixtures securely attached to the forward half of the watercraft.

D.      Persons possessing a dealer watercraft certificate of number issued under A.R.S. § 5-322(F) shall visibly display the AZ numbers and validating registration decals as established under this Section, except that the numbers and decals may be printed or attached to temporary, removable signs that are securely attached to the watercraft being demonstrated.

E.       Expired registration decals issued by any jurisdiction shall be covered or removed from the watercraft, so that only the cur- rent registration decals are visible.

F.       Invalid watercraft AZ numbers and registration decals shall not be displayed on any watercraft. The owner of the water- craft shall surrender the AZ numbers and registration decals to the Department in compliance with R12-4-506(C).

Historical Note

Section R12-4-515 renumbered from R12-4-501 and amended effective May 27, 1992 (Supp. 92-2). Amended by final rulemaking at 19 A.A.R. 597, effective July 1, 2013 (Supp. 13-1).