[fatlazyless]

In NH the state police and all local police will cite a truck driver for not wearing their seat belt and a seat belt violation costs about $125 and stays on their driving history record for a long 15-years time.

So, until the Governor issues an executive order, for now the Marine Patrol has discretion to cite a 20-year old boat driver for possession of tobacco but not for NOT wearing the safety lanyard. This seems like a very unusual law enforcement situation?

So, having a single cigarette in your pocket IS a violation.

Driving a 16' aluminum Alumacraft with a 60-hp two-stroke outboard at 40-mph while NOT wearing the safety lanyard is NOT a violation. If the boat hits a wake or something and the driver gets bounced away from the steering wheel and throttle, the boat will continue to go places at 40-mph with no one at the steering/speed controls.