Sec. 5-1. Careless operation. No person shall operate any watercraft in a careless or heedless manner so as to endanger any person or property or at a rate of speed greater than will permit him in the exercise of reasonable care to bring the watercraft to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 45/5-1 (Careless operation of motorboat) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor. Statutory sentencing scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500. Court appearance is mandatory under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, and pretrial release is presumptively release-eligible under the SAFE-T Act.
Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
| Offense Description | Class | Court Mandate | SAFE-T Act | Reporting Code | Official ILGA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Careless operation of motorboat Official ILGA · 625 ILCS 45/5-1 -> | Class A Misdemeanor | Rule 551 Mandate | Release Eligible | 8500 | ILGA.gov -> |
(Source: P.A. 85-149.)
Under Illinois law, 625 ILCS 45/5-1 (Careless operation of motorboat) is classified as a Class A Misdemeanor.
Sentencing Scope: Up to 364 days county jail · Fine up to $2,500
Mandatory Personal Appearance Required: Under Illinois Supreme Court Rule 551, personal court appearance before a judge is mandatory. The defendant cannot satisfy this charge by mail, electronic payment, or pre-set bail forfeiture.
Presumptive Pretrial Release: Presumptive Pretrial Release: This offense is non-detainable under 725 ILCS 5/110-6.1. The defendant is entitled to release on personal recognizance with non-monetary conditions unless charged with a subsequent detainable violation.
Standard Administrative Protocol: No automatic driver's license suspension or mandatory revocation is triggered by this offense code alone upon citation.
Standardized legal citations for briefs, court pleadings, law enforcement documentation, and academic research.
625 ILCS 45/5-1 (West 2026)
625 Ill. Comp. Stat. 45/5-1 (2026)
https://ilcsindex.com/statutes/625-ilcs-45-5-1