{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/29.1-738.03.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/29.1-738.03.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/29.1-738.03.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/29.1-738.03.html"}],"law_id":58643,"edition_id":1,"section_id":58643,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-738.03","catch_line":"Reckless operation of a personal watercraft","history":"1998, c. 514.","full_text":"A person shall be guilty of reckless operation of a motorboat or vessel who operates any personal watercraft recklessly or at a speed or in such a manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person, which shall include, but not be limited to:\n\n1\n\nWeaving through vessels which are underway, stopped, moored or at anchor while exceeding a reasonable speed under the circumstances and traffic conditions existing at the time;2\n\nFollowing another vessel or person on water skis or other similar device, crossing the path of another vessel, or jumping the wake of another vessel more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of both vessels and the traffic on and the condition of the waters at the time;3\n\nCrossing between the towing vessel and a person on water skis or other device; or4\n\nSteering toward an object or person and turning sharply in close proximity to such object or person in order to spray or attempt to spray the object or person with the wash or jet spray of the personal watercraft.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent offense, the court shall order the person not to operate a personal watercraft which is underway upon the waters of the Commonwealth for a period of twelve months.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":214953,"text":"A person shall be guilty of reckless operation of a motorboat or vessel who operates any personal watercraft recklessly or at a speed or in such a manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person, which shall include, but not be limited to:","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1,"next_prefix":"1"},"1":{"id":214954,"text":"Weaving through vessels which are underway, stopped, moored or at anchor while exceeding a reasonable speed under the circumstances and traffic conditions existing at the time;","type":"section","prefixes":["1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"1","prefix_anchor":"1","level":1,"prior_prefix":"","next_prefix":"2"},"2":{"id":214955,"text":"Following another vessel or person on water skis or other similar device, crossing the path of another vessel, or jumping the wake of another vessel more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of both vessels and the traffic on and the condition of the waters at the time;","type":"section","prefixes":["2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"2","prefix_anchor":"2","level":1,"prior_prefix":"1","next_prefix":"3"},"3":{"id":214956,"text":"Crossing between the towing vessel and a person on water skis or other device; or","type":"section","prefixes":["3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"3","prefix_anchor":"3","level":1,"prior_prefix":"2","next_prefix":"4"},"4":{"id":214957,"text":"Steering toward an object or person and turning sharply in close proximity to such object or person in order to spray or attempt to spray the object or person with the wash or jet spray of the personal watercraft.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and for a second or subsequent offense, the court shall order the person not to operate a personal watercraft which is underway upon the waters of the Commonwealth for a period of twelve months.","type":"section","prefixes":["4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"4","prefix_anchor":"4","level":1,"prior_prefix":"3"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13558,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boating Safety","identifier":"3","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13227,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:45:14","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:45:14","permalink":{"id":193641,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13558,"identifier":"3","token":"29.1\/7\/3","url":"\/29.1\/7\/3\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13227,"edition_id":1,"name":"Boating Laws","identifier":"7","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12934,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:29","permalink":{"id":193453,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13227,"identifier":"7","token":"29.1\/7","url":"\/29.1\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12934,"edition_id":1,"name":"Wildlife, Inland Fisheries and Boating","identifier":"29.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:03","permalink":{"id":192277,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12934,"identifier":"29.1","token":"29.1","url":"\/29.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":55333,"structure_id":13558,"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":false},{"id":73163,"structure_id":13558,"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":81705,"structure_id":13558,"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":68939,"structure_id":13558,"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":86125,"structure_id":13558,"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":68371,"structure_id":13558,"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":79496,"structure_id":13558,"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":82900,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-737","catch_line":"Muffling devices","url":"\/29.1-737\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-737","metadata":false},{"id":87020,"structure_id":13558,"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":62377,"structure_id":13558,"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":60518,"structure_id":13558,"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":58643,"structure_id":13558,"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":59608,"structure_id":13558,"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":60579,"structure_id":13558,"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":82349,"structure_id":13558,"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":87092,"structure_id":13558,"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":66297,"structure_id":13558,"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":87081,"structure_id":13558,"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":false},{"id":85727,"structure_id":13558,"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":54521,"structure_id":13558,"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":83534,"structure_id":13558,"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":78906,"structure_id":13558,"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":73273,"structure_id":13558,"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":63883,"structure_id":13558,"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":76164,"structure_id":13558,"section_number":"29.1-743","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/29.1-743\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-743","metadata":false},{"id":60382,"structure_id":13558,"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":84734,"structure_id":13558,"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":56497,"structure_id":13558,"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":58749,"structure_id":13558,"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":59480,"structure_id":13558,"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":65520,"structure_id":13558,"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":76264,"structure_id":13558,"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":60518,"structure_id":13558,"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},"next_section":{"id":59608,"structure_id":13558,"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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-738.03\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1998. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter <a href=\"https:\/\/legacylis.virginia.gov\/cgi-bin\/legp604.exe?981+ful+CHAP0514\">514<\/a> 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.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":193687,"object_type":"law","relational_id":58643,"identifier":"29.1-738.03","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.03","url":"\/29.1-738.03\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-738.03\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-738.03","dublin_core":{"Title":"Reckless operation of a personal watercraft","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-738.03","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>A person shall be guilty of reckless operation of a <span class=\"dictionary\">motorboat<\/span> or <span class=\"dictionary\">vessel<\/span> who <span class=\"dictionary\">operates<\/span> any <span class=\"dictionary\">personal watercraft<\/span> recklessly or at a speed or in such a manner so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person, which shall include, but not be limited to:<\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"1\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">1.<\/span> Weaving through <span class=\"dictionary\">vessels<\/span> which are underway, stopped, moored or at anchor while exceeding a reasonable speed under the circumstances and traffic conditions existing at the time; <a id=\"paragraph-214954\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/29.1-738.03\/#1\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"2\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">2.<\/span> Following another <span class=\"dictionary\">vessel<\/span> or person on water skis or other similar device, crossing the path of another <span class=\"dictionary\">vessel<\/span>, or jumping the wake of another <span class=\"dictionary\">vessel<\/span> more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of both <span class=\"dictionary\">vessels<\/span> and the traffic on and the condition of the waters at the time; <a id=\"paragraph-214955\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/29.1-738.03\/#2\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"3\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">3.<\/span> Crossing between the towing <span class=\"dictionary\">vessel<\/span> and a person on water skis or other device; or <a id=\"paragraph-214956\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/29.1-738.03\/#3\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section id=\"4\"><p><span class=\"prefix-number\">4.<\/span> Steering toward an <span class=\"dictionary\">object<\/span> or person and turning sharply in close proximity to such <span class=\"dictionary\">object<\/span> or person in <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> to spray or attempt to spray the <span class=\"dictionary\">object<\/span> or person with the wash or jet spray of the <span class=\"dictionary\">personal watercraft<\/span>.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 <span class=\"dictionary\">misdemeanor<\/span>, and for a second or subsequent <span class=\"dictionary\">offense<\/span>, the <span class=\"dictionary\">court<\/span> shall <span class=\"dictionary\">order<\/span> the person not to <span class=\"dictionary\">operate<\/span> a <span class=\"dictionary\">personal watercraft<\/span> which is underway upon the <span class=\"dictionary\">waters of the Commonwealth<\/span> for a period of twelve months. <a id=\"paragraph-214957\" class=\"section-permalink\" href=\"https:\/\/vacode.org\/29.1-738.03\/#4\"><i class=\"fa fa-link\"><\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nRECKLESS OPERATION OF A PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (\u00a7 29.1-738.03)\n\nA person shall be guilty of reckless operation of a motorboat or vessel who\noperates any personal watercraft recklessly or at a speed or in such a manner so\nas to endanger the life, limb or property of any person, which shall include,\nbut not be limited to:\n\n1. Weaving through vessels which are underway, stopped, moored or at anchor\nwhile exceeding a reasonable speed under the circumstances and traffic\nconditions existing at the time;\n\n2. Following another vessel or person on water skis or other similar device,\ncrossing the path of another vessel, or jumping the wake of another vessel more\nclosely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard to the speed of both\nvessels and the traffic on and the condition of the waters at the time;\n\n3. Crossing between the towing vessel and a person on water skis or other\ndevice; or\n\n4. Steering toward an object or person and turning sharply in close proximity to\nsuch object or person in order to spray or attempt to spray the object or person\nwith the wash or jet spray of the personal watercraft.\n\t\t\tA person who violates this section shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor,\nand for a second or subsequent offense, the court shall order the person not to\noperate a personal watercraft which is underway upon the waters of the\nCommonwealth for a period of twelve months.\n\nHISTORY: 1998, c. 514.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}