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HomeHarbors and Navigation CodeDiv. 3Ch. 5Art. 1§ 660 Local Vessel Regulation Limits

§ 660 Local Vessel Regulation Limits

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

§ 660 Local Vessel Regulation Limits

This law says only the state boating department can make most boat rules; local governments can only set rules about time of day, speed, special areas, and pollution, and they must send those rules to the department 30 days before they start, unless it’s an emergency.

Key Takeaways

  • •Local governments can only make rules about time, speed, special-use areas, and pollution for boats.
  • •Those local rules must be sent to the state department 30 days before they start, unless they are emergency rules.
  • •Emergency boat rules can start right away, last up to 60 days, and can be extended by the department if needed.

Example

A city wants to set a speed limit for boats on its lake.

The city must write the speed rule and send it to the state boating department at least 30 days before the rule takes effect. If a sudden storm makes the lake unsafe, the city can instantly ban boats for up to 60 days as an emergency rule.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 660 Local Vessel Regulation Limits

(a) Any ordinance, law, regulation, or rule relating to vessels, which is adopted pursuant to provisions of law other than this chapter by any entity other than the department, including, but not limited to, any county, city, port authority, district, or any state agency other than the department, shall, notwithstanding any other provision of law, pertain only to time-of-day restrictions, speed zones, special-use areas, and sanitation and pollution control, and the measure shall not conflict with this chapter or the regulations adopted by the department. Except as provided in subdivision (c), any measure relating to boats or vessels adopted by any governmental entity other than the department shall be submitted to the department prior to adoption and at least 30 days prior to the effective date thereof. (b) The department may make special rules and regulations governing the use of boats or vessels on any body of water within the territorial limits of two or more counties, cities, or other political subdivisions if no special rules or regulations exist or if the department determines that the local laws regulating the use of boats or vessels on that body of water are not uniform and that uniformity is practicable and necessary. (c) (1) Any entity, including, but not limited to, any county, city, port authority, district, or state agency, otherwise authorized by law to adopt measures governing the use and equipment, and matters relating thereto, of boats or vessels, may adopt emergency rules and regulations that are not in conflict with the general laws of the state relating to boats and vessels using any waters within the jurisdiction of the entity if those emergency rules and regulations are required to ensure the safety of persons and property because of disaster or other public calamity. (2) The emergency rules and regulations adopted under paragraph (1) shall become effective immediately upon adoption and may remain in effect for not to exceed 60 days thereafter. The emergency rules and regulations shall be submitted to the department on or before their adoption. (3) After submission of emergency rules and regulations adopted pursuant to paragraph (1) to the department, the department may authorize the adopting entity to make the emergency rules and regulations effective for the period of time greater than 60 days that is necessary in view of the disaster or circumstances. (Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 501, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2005.)

Last verified: January 11, 2026

Key Terms

adoptionpollutionregulationordinancedisasterpropertyemergencyvessel

Related Statutes

  • § 664 Notice To Appear Requirements
  • § 651 Boat Alcohol Definitions
  • § 654 Boat Muffler Requirements
  • § 654.03 Recreational Vessel Muffler Requirements
  • § 654.05 Boat Noise Level Limits

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Harbors and Navigation Code. Section 660.
View Official Source