Underwater lights are illegal?

[mraz72]

So I was going to go with 2 seablaze RGB lights for the transom. I was talking to some folks about the install and they said, you know they are illegal right? I get it after the explanation, only lights that are allowed are anchor and nav lights. I also heard they are tough on that infraction where I boat (Irondequoit bay/lake ontario).

With that, I might skip the underwater lights. Anyone here been pulled over because of illegal lights?

 

[anmut]

Check your state laws on usage, honestly. Most of the time you're good to use them while stationary, but not when moving.

 

[mraz72]

NY state here, if it can be illegal, it probably is

 

[adrianp89]

Check your state laws on usage, honestly. Most of the time you're good to use them while stationary, but not when moving.

This... pretty much any lighting is legal while stationary. Moving is a whole different story,

 

[4ukwildcata]

Maybe the guy with the Coast Guard will chime in, but my understanding is that it is illegal when you are "underway". Therefore, you should be ok if stationary.... unless there is a state law

 

[Beachbummer]

Beware of color in the lights. Red, Green and blue might give you trouble. White's probably OK..

See discussion here...

https://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-forum/745934-blue-underwater-lights-illegal-while-running-2.html

 

[fatboyroy]

Meanwhile, if you pay enough taxes you can run whatever light you want. Uncle Sam got your back

 

[4ukwildcata]

Meanwhile, if you pay enough taxes you can run whatever light you want. Uncle Sam got your back
View attachment 157567

LOL.... but you might be surprised how little a cruise line pays considering their revenue is based on ships that are registered in Norway, Greece, etc.

 

[anmut]

It just occurred to me that one might have more problems with speaker lights than underwater lights. I can make my speakers flash in colors that I shouldn't be running at night. Have to remember to shut that off while at speed.

 

[Julian]

So I was going to go with 2 seablaze RGB lights for the transom. I was talking to some folks about the install and they said, you know they are illegal right? I get it after the explanation, only lights that are allowed are anchor and nav lights. I also heard they are tough on that infraction where I boat (Irondequoit bay/lake ontario).

With that, I might skip the underwater lights. Anyone here been pulled over because of illegal lights?

Agree with the other replies.....the illegal part really only applies to when you are moving. Heck....docking lights are illegal when underway...but tons of boats have them. As long as you prime reason for them is to have them on while stationary I doubt you'll have any issues.

 

[adrianp89]

Agree with the other replies.....the illegal part really only applies to when you are moving. Heck....docking lights are illegal when underway...but tons of boats have them. As long as you prime reason for them is to have them on while stationary I doubt you'll have any issues.

My main boat ramp has a few hundred yards of straight away into the ramp. At night time I flip on the dock lights to see the markers all the way down. Probably illegal but man does it make for a smooth end to the night.

 

[spatty99]

Lights that can be confused with other lights are prohibited, regardless of movement.

Rule 20
The Rules concerning lights shall be complied with from sunset to sunrise,
and during such times, no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights
as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair
their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with the keeping of a
proper lookout.

 

[212s]

So I was going to go with 2 seablaze RGB lights for the transom. I was talking to some folks about the install and they said, you know they are illegal right? I get it after the explanation, only lights that are allowed are anchor and nav lights. I also heard they are tough on that infraction where I boat (Irondequoit bay/lake ontario).

With that, I might skip the underwater lights. Anyone here been pulled over because of illegal lights?

If you want underwater lights, go for it. Just be aware not to use them when operating the boat.

As mentioned, underwater lights would be fine when docked, moored, or anchored. Sames goes for flashing lights on your speakers as they should not cause navigation issues. The only lights that should be visible outside the boat during operation are navigation lights - red/green and white to indicate directional motion to other traffic. White docking lights are not to be used while navigating but are allowed when approaching docks for increased visibility in and around the docks as they increase safety while docking.

 

[jocolo21]

Got pulled for my docking lights, was just told to flick em once in a while but never on full time. Nothing said about my underwater lights. Florida

 

[HangOutdoors]

Got pulled for my docking lights, was just told to flick em once in a while but never on full time. Nothing said about my underwater lights. Florida


View attachment 157642

Not sure the fish appreciate all that at night

 

[mraz72]

Funny you mention florida, the guy I talked to lives in rochester during the summer and ft lauderdale during the winter. He said they don't say anything about his lights in FL, rochester, different story.

 

[jocolo21]

Not sure the fish appreciate all that at night

Bahamas , coming from the Casino back to south bimini, apparently the green lights attract fish, for what i hear.

 

[johhnyboat]

It really is from place to place. The navigational boating language says that you can't have any boating lights that can be MISTAKEN for navigational lights. I don't know how blue underwater LED lights can be mistaken for navigational lights. In Maryland you don't get bothered, BUT if you are out late and had a few beers, it really just gives the DNR a reason to pull you over for a "safety inspection".

 

[biffdotorg]

Not sure the fish appreciate all that at night

In MN, if you have a line in the water, those underwater lights are illegal stationary as well. It's a "loose" law for sure as the local LEO's are hardly out at night unless there is a holiday or organized water event going on.

But the laws do exist. And the Tritoon on our dock is nicknamed the "blue light special" for a reason. Those lights running the length of the boat and underwater lights are on many in our area, and they all run them at night although totally illegal. At least they are not as obnoxious as the guys running our bay with their docking lights on, or a white light bar pointed forward.

 

[rad1026]

I believe it is pretty much a local or state ruling outside of the normal law not to use while underway. I know in Arizona underwater lights are okay as long as they are not blue or red because those are the colors of the law enforcement lights. In New Mexico, they don't care.