Which department enforces vessel registration compliance in California?

The department responsible for enforcing vessel registration compliance in California is the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This agency oversees the registration and titling of boats and vessels, similar to how it manages motor vehicles. The DMV is tasked with many responsibilities, including ensuring that all watercraft are registered according to state laws, which helps in maintaining safety and regulatory standards on California’s waterways.

The other departments mentioned have different responsibilities: the California Department of Transportation focuses on roadways and transport infrastructure, the California Highway Patrol primarily handles law enforcement on highways, and the California Department of Public Safety covers a wider range of public safety issues but does not specifically manage vessel registration. This delineation clarifies the DMV's unique role in vehicle and vessel registration compliance in the state.