# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 2: Numbering; exceptions > Massachusetts · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S2 ## Section - **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 2 - **Heading:** Numbering; exceptions - **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XIV / Chapter 90B / Section 2 ## Text Section 2. Every motorboat on the waters of the commonwealth shall be numbered in accordance with this chapter, except:— (1) A motorboat owned in a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of the commonwealth. (2) A motorboat owned by an agency of the United States government or by a state, county, city or town. (3) Ship's lifeboats. (4) A motorboat numbered in accordance with a numbering system established by the secretary; provided, that the certificate of number or similar document awarding a number to such motorboat is in full force and effect; and provided, further, that such motorboat shall not have been within the commonwealth for a period of time in excess of sixty consecutive days. (5) A motorboat numbered in accordance with the numbering system of another state, which system has been approved by the secretary; provided, that the certificate of number or similar document awarding a number to such motorboat is in full force and effect; and provided, further, that such motorboat shall not have been within the commonwealth for a period of time in excess of sixty consecutive days. (6) A vessel which has a valid marine document issued by the Bureau of Customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto. Subject to the above exceptions, no person shall maintain, operate or suffer or permit the operation of any motorboat on the waters of the commonwealth unless such motorboat is numbered in accordance with this chapter. In any prosecution under this section wherein one or more of the above exceptions is alleged in defense, the burden of proof thereof shall be on the defendant. Section 2. Every motorboat on the waters of the commonwealth shall be numbered in accordance with this chapter, except:— (1) A motorboat owned in a country other than the United States temporarily using the waters of the commonwealth. (2) A motorboat owned by an agency of the United States government or by a state, county, city or town. (3) Ship's lifeboats. (4) A motorboat numbered in accordance with a numbering system established by the secretary; provided, that the certificate of number or similar document awarding a number to such motorboat is in full force and effect; and provided, further, that such motorboat shall not have been within the commonwealth for a period of time in excess of sixty consecutive days. (5) A motorboat numbered in accordance with the numbering system of another state, which system has been approved by the secretary; provided, that the certificate of number or similar document awarding a number to such motorboat is in full force and effect; and provided, further, that such motorboat shall not have been within the commonwealth for a period of time in excess of sixty consecutive days. (6) A vessel which has a valid marine document issued by the Bureau of Customs of the United States government or any federal agency successor thereto. Subject to the above exceptions, no person shall maintain, operate or suffer or permit the operation of any motorboat on the waters of the commonwealth unless such motorboat is numbered in accordance with this chapter. In any prosecution under this section wherein one or more of the above exceptions is alleged in defense, the burden of proof thereof shall be on the defendant. ## Nearby sections - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S1.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 2 Numbering; exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S2.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 3 Application for certificate of number; display](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S3.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4 Lost, destroyed or mutilated certificates of number; replacement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4A Altering, forging or counterfeiting certificates of number of motorboat; penalty](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4A.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 4B Removal, defacing, etc. of identification number of motorboat, motor or engine; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S4B.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5 Classes of motorboats; required lighting, signaling and fire extinguishing and control devices](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5A Wearable personal floatation devices](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5A.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5B Automatic shut–off nozzle for motorboat fuel dispensing devices; fine](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5B.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5C Discharge of sewage into waters designated as a no discharge area; fine](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5C.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 5D Violations of Sec. 37B of Chapter 21; penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S5D.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 6 Exhaust; use of cutouts](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S6.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 7 Compliance with Sec. 5; pre-requisite to departure from boat livery](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S7.md) - [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 90B, sec. 8 Operation while under influence of intoxicating liquor or narcotics, etc.; breath or blood testing; water skiing; professional exhibitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S8.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXIV_C90B_S2. 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