§ 131 Obstructing Navigable Waters

Harbors and Navigation Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law makes it a crime to block or get in the way of boats on any water that can be sailed, and says you can be fined up to $1,000, jailed up to six months, or both.

Key Takeaways

•Blocking a navigable waterway is illegal.
•The offense is a misdemeanor.
•Punishment can be up to $1,000 fine, up to six months in county jail, or both.

Example

Someone drops a large pile of rocks into a river, stopping kayakers from passing.

Because the rocks block the waterway, the person broke the law and could be charged with a misdemeanor, facing a fine, jail time, or both.

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

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 131 Obstructing Navigable Waters

(a) A person who unlawfully obstructs the navigation of any navigable waters is guilty of a misdemeanor. (b) A person found guilty of a misdemeanor violation of this section shall be subject to a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or imprisonment in the county jail not to exceed six months, or both that fine and imprisonment. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 610, Sec. 16. (SB 717) Effective January 1, 2010.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

unlawfully obstructs navigation navigable waters misdemeanor fine imprisonment

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 131.

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References

Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References