§ 10553 Vessel Theft Reporting Requirements

Vehicle Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says if your boat is stolen or someone takes it without permission, you can tell the police. But if someone you trusted took it, you need to get an arrest warrant first before reporting.

Key Takeaways

•If your boat is stolen, you can report it to the police.
•If someone you know takes your boat and won't return it, you need an arrest warrant before reporting.
•If you get your boat back, you must tell the police.

Example

You lend your boat to a friend, but they refuse to give it back.

You can't just call the police right away. You need to get an arrest warrant for your friend first, then report it.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 10553 Vessel Theft Reporting Requirements

The owner or legal owner of a vessel numbered under this code which has been stolen or embezzled may notify a law enforcement agency of the theft or embezzlement, but in the event of an embezzlement may make the report only after having procured the issuance of a warrant for the arrest of the person charged with such embezzlement. Every owner or legal owner who has given any such notice shall notify the law enforcement agency of a recovery of the vessel. (Amended by Stats. 1980, Ch. 617, Sec. 7.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

vessel stolen embezzled law enforcement agency arrest warrant

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 10553.

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Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References