Some boating law violations have been reduced.
Over the summer, certain boating laws were reclassified. Meaning, fines were reduced and in most cases jail time was removed from the punishment.
Here are a few of the Harbor and Navigation Code infractions that have been reclassified…
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- Mooring a vessel to a buoy or beacon, except a designated mooring
buoy ($100) - Operating a vessel towing a person on water skis without a person of at least 12 years of age on board, in addition to the operator, to monitor the progress of the persons being towed ($200)
- Owning, operating, commanding, or permitting the use of a vessel at a speed over 5 mph within 200 feet of an occupied beach, swimming float, diving platform, lifeline, or way or landing float used to fast a boat ($100)
- Owning, operating, commanding, or permitting the use of a vessel at a speed over 5 mph within 100 feet of a swimmer ($100)
- Violating a “blue light law” by failing to provide a clear course for a law enforcement vessel ($100)
- Operating a vessel towing a person on water skis at night ($200)
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Legislation SB 1162 by Republican Sen. Tom Berryhill of Twain Harte reclassified these violations. Gov. Jerry Brown signed legislation over the summer.
Even though these violations have been reclassified from a misdemeanor to an infraction, please be a safe boater and always pay attention to the laws.
For for a complete list and details regarding SB 1162 go to, Information about SB 1162.
