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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 3Ch. 5Art. 1§ 654 Boat Muffler Requirements

§ 654 Boat Muffler Requirements

Harbors and Navigation Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 654 Boat Muffler Requirements

This law says any motor‑powered recreational boat used on inland or near‑coast waters must always have a working muffler (or muffler system) that is turned on and installed correctly, except when the boat is racing or doing official speed tests.

Key Takeaways

  • •All motorized recreational boats on inland or near‑coast waters must have a muffler or muffler system.
  • •The muffler must be in good working condition, always running, and installed correctly.
  • •The rule does NOT apply to boats that are racing, doing trial runs, or preparing for a race if they have the proper permit.

Example

A family takes their motorboat out on a lake for a weekend picnic.

Because the boat is a motorized recreational vessel operating on inland water, the law requires it to have a muffler that works, stays on the whole time, and is installed the right way. If the muffler is missing or broken, the family could be fined.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 654 Boat Muffler Requirements

(a) (1) For the purposes of this section, a “muffler” or “muffler system” is a sound suppression device or system that is designed and installed to abate the sound of exhaust gases emitted from an internal combustion engine and prevents excessive or unusual noise. (2) For the purposes of this section, an underwater through-the-propeller-hub exhaust outlet system is a muffler system. (b) A motorized recreational vessel that is operated in or upon the inland waters, or in or upon ocean waters that are within one mile of the coastline of the state shall be equipped at all times with a muffler or a muffler system that is all of the following: (1) In good working condition. (2) In constant operation. (3) Installed in a manner that effectively brings the vessel into compliance with Section 654.05. (c) This section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels competing under a local public entity or United States Coast Guard permit in a regatta, in a boat race, while on trial runs, or while on official trials for speed records during the time and in the designated area authorized by the permit. In addition, this section does not apply to motorized recreational vessels preparing for a race or regatta if authorized by a permit issued by the local entity having jurisdiction over the area where the preparations occur. (d) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2005. (Repealed (in Sec. 1) and added by Stats. 2003, Ch. 496, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2004. Section operative January 1, 2005, by its own provisions.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

regulationcompliancevesseltrialwatersfineboatcombustion

Related Statutes

  • § 654.03 Recreational Vessel Muffler Requirements
  • § 654.05 Boat Noise Level Limits
  • § 651 Boat Alcohol Definitions
  • § 663.7 Boating Safety Aid Programs
  • § 668 Boating Equipment Violations

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 654.
View Official Source