Dane County Ordinance Chapter 71 requires certain motorized vehicles operated on lakes within Dane County to be equipped with flotation. This page highlights some of the requirements and provides information on inspection dates. Visit Dane County Website to view the literal ordinances.
Download the 2012-2013 Flotation Inspection Information in pdf format.
There will be no inspection on Thursday, Jan. 17th. Times will be held firm.
Inspections are held at the Dane County Parks old office located at 4318 Robertson Rd., Madison, WI. (see map below). Inspections at this location are done only at the dates and times listed, do not go to this address at any other time expecting an inspection.
Vehicles weighing over 850 lbs. require special use permit. Vehicles weighing under 850 lbs. require flotation and a permit.
Vehicles weighing over 850 lbs. require special use permit. Vehicles weighing between 750 – 850 lbs. require flotation and a permit. Vehicles weighing under 750 lbs. have no restrictions.
Snowmobiles – Require 16 cubic feet of flotation.
All Terrain Vehicles(ATV) – Require 5 cubic feet of flotation. Note: ATV's are designed to float themselves, but not the passenger(s) and gear.
There is now a $10.00 inspection fee for all new and renewal inspections. The fee is payable by cash or check (must have photo ID), and must be paid at the time of inspection.
Flotation must be mounted as equally as possible, front and back, or side to side. The floats must be hard mounted to the machine (bolts, metal brackets, chain, cable, etc.). Nylon straps, bungee cords, ropes, etc. are not permitted.
The flotation material used is most commonly styrofoam, either in sheets, blocks, or sprayed. Popcorn or peanut type packing material is not acceptable. The flotation should be enclosed/protected by wood, metal, aluminum, or plastic to prevent it from breaking. Air filled containers are not acceptable. Pictures of some sample flotation are shown below.
Each cubic foot of flotation will float 60 lbs. Diameter measurements can be deceiving. Each diameter measurement listed below equals one cubic foot of flotation. If using cylinders, you will need to multiply the length times 5 for an ATV, and times 16 for a snowmobile to get the correct length of cylinder needed.