Failure to Regulate Speed

Alabama law designates the following dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Failure to Regulate Speed is operating at speeds greater than that which allow the operator to bring the vessel to a stop within a clear distance ahead, or at speeds which cause danger or inconvenience to others given the existing weather and traffic conditions. A vessel operator must not:

• Operate at a speed which causes a hazardous wake or wash when approaching another vessel or when entering or leaving a marina or harbor area.
• Operate above a plane speed when persons or gear on board the vessel are such that the operator's view is obstructed or safe operation is impaired.
• Exceed any posted speed limitations such as idle speed or “slow, no wake” speed areas or any other speed zones.