With sunny skies and warm temperatures predicted for the 4th of July weekend, boaters are urged to clean, drain and dry their boats before arriving at the roadside inspection stations in Tahoe to avoid delays and decontamination fees.

All stations close at 5:30pm.

Boat inspectors are required to inspect every boat for the presence of aquatic invasive species prior to launching in Lake Tahoe. Since May, inspectors have intercepted and decontaminated nine boats containing invasive species bound for the waters of Lake Tahoe. Without natural predators, these invasive species pose serious threats to the ecology, recreation and local economies of the Lake Tahoe Basin.

Quick tips for boaters visiting the Lake Tahoe Basin this summer:

• Go online for inspection locations, hours, fees and information about boat inspections and invasive species.
  Weekdays and mornings are typically less congested at roadside boat inspection stations. Friday evenings, Saturdays and holidays are typically the busiest.
• Returning Tahoe boats with a Lake Tahoe wire seal still affixed to the boat and trailer may head directly to a launch ramp to purchase a 2015 Tahoe Only inspection sticker.
• Prior to arriving, make sure your vessel is clean, drained and dry. Check that all systems are working, batteries are charged, the boat has gas in the tank and that you have the key to start the engine. Bring any specialized flushing adapters to the inspection station, as inspectors only have the most common types and sizes.
  If flushing your engine at home prior to inspection, make sure to drain all residual water. If inspectors find water they are required to decontaminate.
• Annual watercraft inspection fees range from $35 for personal watercraft and vessels under 17 feet up to $121 for vessels over 39 feet.  The annual Tahoe Only sticker fee is $30. An additional fee of $35 is charged for any boat requiring decontamination, with an additional $10 fee for ballast systems. Fees are payable via Visa or MasterCard (no cash or check).
• Paddlers of kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized watercraft are encouraged to stop by an inspection station for a free inspection and urged to visit TahoeKeepers.org to learn how to self-inspect boats and gear and receive a free Tahoe Keepers sticker.