Michigan Compiled Laws

Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.80157 (2026)

Liability of vessel owner for negligent operation; presumption of consent to use.

✓ current as of July 2026
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ACT


Act 451 of 1994


324.80157 Liability of vessel owner for negligent operation; presumption of consent to use.

Sec. 80157.

    The owner of a vessel is liable for any injury occasioned by the negligent operation of the vessel, whether the negligence consists of a violation of the statutes of this state, or in the failure to observe such ordinary care in the operation as the rules of the common law require. The owner is not liable unless the vessel is being used with his or her expressed or implied consent. It shall be presumed that the vessel is being operated with the knowledge and consent of the owner if it is driven at the time of the injury by his or her son, daughter, spouse, father, mother, brother, sister, or other immediate member of the owner's family.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995

PopularName Notes:

Act 451

PopularName Notes:

Marine Safety Act

PopularName Notes:

NREPA
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 2 cases, 2013–2016 · leading case: Williams v. Kennedy, 891 N.W.2d 907 (Mich. Ct. App. 2016).
Williams v. Kennedy, 891 N.W.2d 907 (Mich. Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 2× “Plaintiff claims entitlement to relief against Metcalf under MCL 324.80157, which holds watercraft owners liable for damages resulting from the negligent operation of their vessels.”
Youngberg v. McKeough, 534 F. App'x 471 (6th Cir. 2013). “See Mich. Comp. Laws § 324.80157 . The complaint additionally alleged that both of Jack’s parents, Michael and Nina McKeough (“the McKeoughs”), were liable under Michigan law for negligent entrustment and negligent supervision of their son.”
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