Increasing Awareness of the ‘Blue Light = No Wake’ Law

[NCangler]

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 16) – Do you know about the law that requires boaters in the proximity of a flashing blue light to slow to a no-wake speed?

Many boaters do, but for those who might not, a campaign to heighten awareness of North Carolina’s “Blue Light = No Wake” law is being extended.

Effective Jan. 1, 2007, state law NCGS 75A-17(f) requires all watercraft operators approaching within 100 feet of a law enforcement vessel displaying a flashing blue light to slow to no wake speed and use caution in passing. In narrow channels, the distance becomes within 50 feet of a law enforcement vessel displaying a flashing blue light. Violators are subject to fines up to $250.

The awareness campaign by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission includes:
A 30-second public service announcement for broadcast by local TV stations
Posters placed at boat ramps, bait and tackle shops and watercraft dealerships
Wallet-sized information cards from wildlife officers and boat registration agents
A series of news releases about the “Blue Light = No Wake” regulations

“It’s an ongoing effort,” said Capt. Chris Huebner, boating safety coordinator for the Wildlife Resources Commission. “While there’s been excellent news coverage, we want to make every effort to get the word out and increase cooperation. Officers would rather see compliance than write a ticket.”

The “Blue Light = No Wake” law has been compared to the move-over law for highways, which requires motorists to move into a lane away from a law enforcement or emergency vehicle with flashing lights, if possible, and to reduce speed.