Improper Speed or Distance

Massachusetts law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed and/or distance while operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate any vessel:

• At a distance from other vessels or at a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits given the waterway traffic; marked speed limits; visibility; wind, water, and current conditions; and the proximity of navigational hazards
• At greater than 45 miles per hour on any inland waters of Massachusetts, except on areas posted otherwise
• Motorboats may not be operated:
  • Within 150 feet of shorelines used as swimming areas
  • Within 75 feet of floats or markers that designate swimming areas
• At a rate of speed that creates a wake that causes damage, injury, or excessive rocking to other vessels, rafts, or floats
• At more than headway speed under any of the following conditions:
  • From 150 to 300 feet of shorelines used as swimming areas
  • Within 150 feet of marinas, boat launching facilities, rafts, or floats
  • Within 150 feet of swimmers
  • Within 300 feet of a public access boat ramp
  • When vision is obscured by bridges, bends in the waterway, or any other reason
  • When operating in a channel, unless channel markers state that higher speeds are allowed