Current through Register Vol. 54, No. 44, November 2, 2024
Section 103.16 - Speed restrictions(a)General rule. A person may not operate a watercraft at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing, nor at a speed greater than will permit the operator to maneuver his boat with safety.(b)Specific speed restrictions. In addition to the general restriction on speed of watercraft set forth in subsection (a), the Commission may by general or special boating regulations set forth specific restrictions such as "slow, no wake speed" restrictions. The observation of an officer authorized to enforce this part shall be evidence of violation of nonnumerical specific speed restrictions.(c)Mile-per-hour speed limits. In addition to the general restriction on speed of watercraft set forth in subsection (a) and the nonnumerical speed restrictions set forth in subsection (b), the Commission may, by general or special boating regulations, establish speed restrictions based on the miles-per-hour of a boat. The rate of speed of watercraft may be timed by electronic radio-microwave devices, commonly referred to as electronic speed meters or radar, only by a waterways conservation officer who has been certified by the Commission as having completed training to operate the device or a member of the State Police. Electronic devices (radar) used to time speed of watercraft shall be maintained and calibrated to standards set forth in 67 Pa. Code Chapter 105, Subchapter B (relating to electronic devices (radar). A person may not be convicted of a violation of a miles-per-hour watercraft speed limit timed by an electronic device unless the speed recorded is 6 or more miles per hour in excess of the established speed limit.The provisions of this §103.16 adopted December 22, 1995, effective 12/23/1995, 25 Pa.B. 5970; amended November 24, 2004, effective 1/1/2005, 34 Pa.B. 6332.The provisions of this §103.16 amended under the Fish and Boat Code, 30 Pa.C.S. § 5123.