Improper Speed

Connecticut law designates these dangerous operating practices as illegal.

Improper Speed is operating at excessive speeds or speeds greater than allowed by law. Specifically:

• It is illegal to operate at speeds that cause danger to others or their property or that do not allow the operator to bring the vessel to a stop safely within a clear distance ahead. Under crowded conditions or periods of poor visibility, you must reduce your speed to account for these conditions.
• Unless taking off or landing a water-skier, it is illegal to operate at greater than "slow, no wake speed" within 100 feet (or if a PWC, within 200 feet) of:
  • Shore
  • Dock, pier, or float
  • Another vessel at anchor or moored
• It is illegal to operate at greater than "slow, no wake speed" within 100 feet of buoys marking a restricted swimming area or boat access area.
• It is illegal to cause damage from the wake of your vessel. Reduce speed when passing near marinas, fishing areas, swimming areas, and vessels at anchor.
• You must obey all other posted speed regulatory signs. Some waterways may have additional local speed restrictions; refer to Part Four of the Connecticut Boater’s Guide for local restrictions.