{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/29.1-744.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/29.1-744.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/29.1-744.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/29.1-744.html"}],"law_id":357169,"edition_id":2,"section_id":357169,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744","catch_line":"Local regulation; application for placement or removal of “no wake” buoys, etc","history":"1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.15; 1964, cc. 346, 654; 1968, c. 659, \u00a7 62.1-182; 1978, c. 598; 1982, c. 232; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 522; 1999, c. 489; 2001, c. 649.","full_text":"A\n\nAny political subdivision of this Commonwealth may, at any time, but only after public notice, formally apply to the Board for special rules and regulations with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels on any water within its territorial limits and shall specify in the application the reasons which make the special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate.\n\nB\n\nThe Board is authorized upon application by a political subdivision or its own motion to make special or general rules and regulations with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels on any waters within the territorial limits of any political subdivision of this Commonwealth. Without limiting the generality of the grant of such power, a system of regulatory or navigational markers may be adopted by the Board. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the application of any general law concerning the tidal waters of this Commonwealth.\n\nC\n\nAny county, city or town of this Commonwealth may enact ordinances which parallel general law regulating the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits, including the marginal adjacent ocean, and the conduct and activity of any person using such waters. The locality may also provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinances, provided the penalties do not exceed the penalties provided in this chapter for similar offenses.\n\nD\n\nAfter notice to the Department, any county, city or town may, by ordinance, establish “no wake” zones along the waterways within the locality in order to protect public safety and prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. However, any county that is adjacent to an inland lake (i) more than 500 feet above sea level and (ii) of 20,000 acres or more and wholly located within the Commonwealth may, by ordinance, establish “no wake” zones along such lake within the locality in order to protect public safety or prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. The markers and buoys designating a no wake zone shall conform to the requirements established by the Board. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations of the Board or which is not properly maintained shall be removed by the locality. The locality may provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinance.\n\nE\n\nAny person who desires to place or remove “no wake” buoys or other markers relating to the safe and efficient operation of vessels pursuant to any local ordinance shall apply to the local governing body. The local governing body shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications the application and forward it to the Director, who shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications within thirty days the placement and type of marker to be used or the removal of “no wake” buoys or other markers. The cost of the purchase and placement or the removal of the buoys or markers shall be borne by the person requesting the placement or removal of the buoys or markers. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations of the Board or which is not properly maintained may be removed by the Department. “No wake” buoys or other markers placed prior to July 1, 2001, shall only be removed when no longer required for the safe and efficient operation of vessels pursuant to any local ordinance.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1329251,"text":"Any political subdivision of this Commonwealth may, at any time, but only after public notice, formally apply to the Board for special rules and regulations with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels on any water within its territorial limits and shall specify in the application the reasons which make the special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1329252,"text":"The Board is authorized upon application by a political subdivision or its own motion to make special or general rules and regulations with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels on any waters within the territorial limits of any political subdivision of this Commonwealth. Without limiting the generality of the grant of such power, a system of regulatory or navigational markers may be adopted by the Board. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the application of any general law concerning the tidal waters of this Commonwealth.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":1329253,"text":"Any county, city or town of this Commonwealth may enact ordinances which parallel general law regulating the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits, including the marginal adjacent ocean, and the conduct and activity of any person using such waters. The locality may also provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinances, provided the penalties do not exceed the penalties provided in this chapter for similar offenses.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":1329254,"text":"After notice to the Department, any county, city or town may, by ordinance, establish “no wake” zones along the waterways within the locality in order to protect public safety and prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. However, any county that is adjacent to an inland lake (i) more than 500 feet above sea level and (ii) of 20,000 acres or more and wholly located within the Commonwealth may, by ordinance, establish “no wake” zones along such lake within the locality in order to protect public safety or prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. The markers and buoys designating a no wake zone shall conform to the requirements established by the Board. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations of the Board or which is not properly maintained shall be removed by the locality. The locality may provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinance.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":1329255,"text":"Any person who desires to place or remove “no wake” buoys or other markers relating to the safe and efficient operation of vessels pursuant to any local ordinance shall apply to the local governing body. The local governing body shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications the application and forward it to the Director, who shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications within thirty days the placement and type of marker to be used or the removal of “no wake” buoys or other markers. The cost of the purchase and placement or the removal of the buoys or markers shall be borne by the person requesting the placement or removal of the buoys or markers. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations of the Board or which is not properly maintained may be removed by the Department. “No wake” buoys or other markers placed prior to July 1, 2001, shall only be removed when no longer required for the safe and efficient operation of vessels pursuant to any local ordinance.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D"}},"ancestry":[{"id":51096,"edition_id":2,"name":"Boating Safety","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":4,"parent_id":51092,"metadata":{"child_laws":32,"child_structures":0},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:37:26","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:54","permalink":{"id":1420643,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51096,"identifier":"3","token":"29.1\/7\/3","url":"\/29.1\/7\/3\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51092,"edition_id":2,"name":"Boating Laws","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":12,"parent_id":51066,"metadata":{"child_laws":85,"child_structures":5},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:37:21","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:54","permalink":{"id":1420455,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51092,"identifier":"7","token":"29.1\/7","url":"\/29.1\/7\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":51066,"edition_id":2,"name":"Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating","identifier":"29.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":72,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{"child_laws":397,"child_structures":36},"date_created":"2026-08-02 02:36:48","date_modified":"2026-08-02 12:31:51","permalink":{"id":1419279,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":51066,"identifier":"29.1","token":"29.1","url":"\/29.1\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":357141,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-734","catch_line":"Authorization for and placing of markers in waters of the Commonwealth used for public swimming areas; no motorboating, waterskiing in marked area","url":"\/29.1-734\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-734","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":357140,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-734.1","catch_line":"Skin and scuba divers","url":"\/29.1-734.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-734.1","metadata":false},{"id":357145,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735","catch_line":"Regulations for vessel operation and equipment","url":"\/29.1-735\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735","metadata":false},{"id":357142,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735.1","catch_line":"Board authorized to promulgate regulations for seaplanes","url":"\/29.1-735.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.1","metadata":false},{"id":357143,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735.2","catch_line":"Boating safety education required; Board to promulgate regulations","url":"\/29.1-735.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.2","metadata":false},{"id":357144,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-735.3","catch_line":"Regulation of parasail operators","url":"\/29.1-735.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-735.3","metadata":false},{"id":357146,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-736","catch_line":"Boat rentals; equipment; safety course","url":"\/29.1-736\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-736","metadata":false},{"id":357147,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-737","catch_line":"Muffling devices","url":"\/29.1-737\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-737","metadata":false},{"id":357157,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738","catch_line":"Operating boat or manipulating water skis, etc., in reckless manner or while intoxicated, etc","url":"\/29.1-738\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738","metadata":false},{"id":357148,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.01","catch_line":"Operating boat in an improper manner; penalty","url":"\/29.1-738.01\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.01","metadata":false},{"id":357149,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.02","catch_line":"Persons under age twenty-one operating watercraft after illegally consuming alcohol; penalty","url":"\/29.1-738.02\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.02","metadata":false},{"id":357150,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.03","catch_line":"Reckless operation of a personal watercraft","url":"\/29.1-738.03\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.03","metadata":false},{"id":357151,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.1","catch_line":"Analysis of breath to determine alcohol content of blood","url":"\/29.1-738.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.1","metadata":false},{"id":357152,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.2","catch_line":"Consent to blood or breath test","url":"\/29.1-738.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.2","metadata":false},{"id":357153,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.3","catch_line":"Presumptions from alcohol or drug content","url":"\/29.1-738.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.3","metadata":false},{"id":357154,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.4","catch_line":"Additional penalty for reckless or intoxicated operation of a watercraft or motorboat","url":"\/29.1-738.4\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.4","metadata":false},{"id":357155,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.5","catch_line":"Participation in rehabilitation program","url":"\/29.1-738.5\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.5","metadata":false},{"id":357156,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-738.6","catch_line":"When arrested person operating a vessel; how vessel removed from scene of arrest","url":"\/29.1-738.6\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.6","metadata":{"court_decisions":""}},{"id":357160,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-739","catch_line":"Duty of operator involved in collision, accident or other casualty; immunity from liability; report of collision, etc.; summons in lieu of arrest","url":"\/29.1-739\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739","metadata":false},{"id":357158,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-739.1","catch_line":"Disregarding signal by law-enforcement officer to stop; attempts to elude; penalty","url":"\/29.1-739.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739.1","metadata":false},{"id":357159,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-739.2","catch_line":"Conservation police officers to patrol lakes","url":"\/29.1-739.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-739.2","metadata":false},{"id":357161,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-740","catch_line":"Duty to stop and render assistance; penalties for violations","url":"\/29.1-740\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-740","metadata":false},{"id":357162,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-741","catch_line":"Furnishing information to agency of United States","url":"\/29.1-741\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-741","metadata":false},{"id":357163,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-742","catch_line":"Towing water skis, surfboards, etc","url":"\/29.1-742\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-742","metadata":false},{"id":357164,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-743","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-743\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-743","metadata":false},{"id":357169,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744","catch_line":"Local regulation; application for placement or removal of \"no wake\" buoys, etc","url":"\/29.1-744\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744","metadata":false},{"id":357165,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-744.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.1","metadata":false},{"id":357166,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-744.2\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.2","metadata":false},{"id":357167,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.3","catch_line":"Slacken speed and control wakes near structures","url":"\/29.1-744.3\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.3","metadata":false},{"id":357168,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.4","catch_line":"\"Pass-through\" zones; local ordinances; penalties","url":"\/29.1-744.4\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.4","metadata":false},{"id":357170,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-745","catch_line":"Enforcement of chapter; vessels displaying Coast Guard inspection decal","url":"\/29.1-745\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-745","metadata":false},{"id":357171,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-746","catch_line":"Penalties","url":"\/29.1-746\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-746","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":357164,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-743","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-743\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-743","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":357165,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-744.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-744.1\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744.1","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-744\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 1960. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 500 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1960 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 8 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1964, chapters 346 and 654; in 1968, chapter 659; in 1978, chapter 598; in 1982, chapter 232; in 1987, chapter 488; in 1997, chapter 522<\/a>; in 1999, chapter 489<\/a>; in 2001, chapter 649<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1420745,"object_type":"law","relational_id":357169,"identifier":"29.1-744","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744","url":"\/29.1-744\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-744\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-744","dublin_core":{"Title":"Local regulation; application for placement or removal of “no wake” buoys, etc","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-744","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Any political subdivision of this Commonwealth may, at any time, but only after public notice, formally apply to the Board<\/span> for special rules and regulations<\/span> with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels<\/span> on any water within its territorial limits and shall specify in the application the reasons which make the special rules or regulations<\/span> necessary or appropriate. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Board<\/span> is authorized upon application by a political subdivision or its own motion<\/span> to make special or general rules and regulations<\/span> with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels<\/span> on any waters within the territorial limits of any political subdivision of this Commonwealth. Without limiting the generality of the grant of such power, a system of regulatory or navigational markers may be adopted by the Board<\/span>. Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the application of any general law<\/span> concerning the tidal waters of this Commonwealth. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any county, city or town of this Commonwealth may enact ordinances<\/span> which parallel general law<\/span> regulating the operation of vessels<\/span> on any waters within its territorial limits, including the marginal adjacent ocean, and the conduct and activity of any person using such waters. The locality may also provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinances<\/span>, provided the penalties do not exceed the penalties provided in this chapter for similar offenses<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> After notice to the Department<\/span>, any county, city or town may, by ordinance<\/span>, establish “no wake<\/span>” zones along the waterways within the locality in order<\/span> to protect public safety and prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. However, any county that is adjacent to an inland lake (i) more than 500 feet above sea level and (ii) of 20,000 acres or more and wholly located within the Commonwealth may, by ordinance<\/span>, establish “no wake<\/span>” zones along such lake within the locality in order<\/span> to protect public safety or prevent erosion damage to adjacent property. The markers and buoys designating a no wake<\/span> zone shall conform to the requirements established by the Board<\/span>. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations<\/span> of the Board<\/span> or which is not properly maintained shall be removed by the locality. The locality may provide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinance<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> Any person who desires to place or remove “no wake<\/span>” buoys or other markers relating to the safe and efficient operation of vessels<\/span> pursuant to any local ordinance<\/span> shall apply to the local governing body. The local governing body shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications the application and forward it to the Director<\/span>, who shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications within thirty days the placement and type of marker to be used or the removal of “no wake<\/span>” buoys or other markers. The cost of the purchase and placement or the removal of the buoys or markers shall be borne by the person requesting the placement or removal of the buoys or markers. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the regulations<\/span> of the Board<\/span> or which is not properly maintained may be removed by the Department<\/span>. “No wake<\/span>” buoys or other markers placed prior to July 1, 2001, shall only be removed when no longer required for the safe and efficient operation of vessels<\/span> pursuant to any local ordinance<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nLOCAL REGULATION; APPLICATION FOR PLACEMENT OR REMOVAL OF “NO WAKE”\nBUOYS, ETC (\u00a7 29.1-744)\n\nA. Any political subdivision of this Commonwealth may, at any time, but only\nafter public notice, formally apply to the Board for special rules and\nregulations with reference to the safe and reasonable operation of vessels on\nany water within its territorial limits and shall specify in the application the\nreasons which make the special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate.\n\nB. The Board is authorized upon application by a political subdivision or its\nown motion to make special or general rules and regulations with reference to\nthe safe and reasonable operation of vessels on any waters within the\nterritorial limits of any political subdivision of this Commonwealth. Without\nlimiting the generality of the grant of such power, a system of regulatory or\nnavigational markers may be adopted by the Board. Nothing in this section shall\nbe construed to affect the application of any general law concerning the tidal\nwaters of this Commonwealth.\n\nC. Any county, city or town of this Commonwealth may enact ordinances which\nparallel general law regulating the operation of vessels on any waters within\nits territorial limits, including the marginal adjacent ocean, and the conduct\nand activity of any person using such waters. The locality may also provide for\nenforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinances, provided the\npenalties do not exceed the penalties provided in this chapter for similar\noffenses.\n\nD. After notice to the Department, any county, city or town may, by ordinance,\nestablish “no wake” zones along the waterways within the locality in\norder to protect public safety and prevent erosion damage to adjacent property.\nHowever, any county that is adjacent to an inland lake (i) more than 500 feet\nabove sea level and (ii) of 20,000 acres or more and wholly located within the\nCommonwealth may, by ordinance, establish “no wake” zones along such\nlake within the locality in order to protect public safety or prevent erosion\ndamage to adjacent property. The markers and buoys designating a no wake zone\nshall conform to the requirements established by the Board. Any marker or buoy\nwhich is not placed in conformance with the regulations of the Board or which is\nnot properly maintained shall be removed by the locality. The locality may\nprovide for enforcement and penalties for the violation of the ordinance.\n\nE. Any person who desires to place or remove “no wake” buoys or\nother markers relating to the safe and efficient operation of vessels pursuant\nto any local ordinance shall apply to the local governing body. The local\ngoverning body shall approve, disapprove or approve with modifications the\napplication and forward it to the Director, who shall approve, disapprove or\napprove with modifications within thirty days the placement and type of marker\nto be used or the removal of “no wake” buoys or other markers. The\ncost of the purchase and placement or the removal of the buoys or markers shall\nbe borne by the person requesting the placement or removal of the buoys or\nmarkers. Any marker or buoy which is not placed in conformance with the\nregulations of the Board or which is not properly maintained may be removed by\nthe Department. “No wake” buoys or other markers placed prior to\nJuly 1, 2001, shall only be removed when no longer required for the safe and\nefficient operation of vessels pursuant to any local ordinance.\n\nHISTORY: 1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.15; 1964, cc. 346, 654; 1968, c. 659, \u00a7\n62.1-182; 1978, c. 598; 1982, c. 232; 1987, c. 488; 1997, c. 522; 1999, c. 489;\n2001, c. 649.","edition":{"id":2,"name":"2026","slug":"2026","date_created":"2026-07-16 18:40:23","date_modified":"2026-08-02 15:14:36","current":1,"order_by":2,"last_import":"2026-08-02 12:37:30"}}