underwater LED's and police

S

scootdogg

New Member
Nov 10, 2010
186
Lake Norman, NC
Boat Info
2002 Sundancer 280
Engines
Twin 4.3 MPI w/ Alpha I Drives
welp... it happened this weekend. police pulled us over last night and said no more blue led's on the boat. he gave me the statute which he said was passed in 2009. here is a copy of it...

"Law enforcement vessels may use a flashing blue light on the waters of this State
whenever they are engaged in law enforcement or public safety activities. The use of a blue
light by any other vessel is prohibited. A person other than a law enforcement officer who
activates, installs, or operates a flashing blue light on a vessel other than a law enforcement
vessel is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor."

here is my question. the statute states that a person who installs lights on a vessel is guilty. it appears to me that this would come under the marina. when i had these lights installed i asked the marina about this and they said it was not a problem. (all documented in emails) i specifically asked about installing white lights to reduce exposure to law enforcement. anyways.... i was just curious on everyones take on what i should do next? give it a rest? talk to the marina?

thanks...
 
Gee... didn't see that one coming.

Are you *really* trying to blame the marina? Give me a break. Can't be your fault now can it...
 
policelights.gif

I am gonna start a new business removing all the installed blue lights and patching all the holes.

I will also offer the "Revolving Disco Ball and Shag Carpet Install" services.

th_Disco_ball2.jpg

Comes with a free copy of "America's 10 Favorite Disco Tunes from The 70's"
 
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I would think that the use of the lights at anchor, mooring or at dock would be fine.....I would also make an argument (although you wont win when pulled over and you will receive fine) that "blinking" is the intent of the statue.....I would NEVER use mine (which are green) under way.......I would guess thats what they really had the problem with......
 
sfergson727 said:
The CoRegs are pretty clear about illumination. I'm suprised it took this long for water cops to start pulling boats over. Underwater lighting is not to be used while underway, period. There could be a argument made that they shouldn't be illuminated when anchored either. I'd image at the slip or in a official anchorage, it's probably okay, but otherwise, if ticketed for use, no whining allowed, as you are operating contrary to the regulations.
Click to expand...

Leaving the blue color out of it for a moment, this interpretation would seem to imply that any other light use other than CG required would violate the regs, (of which I don't claim to know by memory) either under way or anchored. This would seem to mean the a ships deck lights, our arch cockpit lights, or a kid with a flashlight could cause a violation. MM
 
Can you get a ticket for being "gaudy?"
 
What about "ostentacious?"
 
sfergson727 said:
All true, Mike!

Basically any light that interferes with the nav lights, or could be mis-interpreted is not legal. So, yes, deck lights, even cabin lights could be considered illegal if you go by the strict letter of the law. (assuming the light source is sufficient to be seen by other boats, or um, watercraft)

That being said, I'm going to guess that they will ticket someone with blue underwater lights illuminating the rooster tail before they arrest someone who has their deck lights on.
Click to expand...

What are all those cargo ship and cruise ships going to do now, they have to turn off all their lights when underway, passengers are not going to be happy !

In all seriousness, I agree with Scott. I have come across many boat with all kinds of lights on at night and it is very hard to determine directions they are traveling. Thankfully I can pick them up on radar and determine but I would love for the CG / water cops to finally start telling these people that is a no no.
 
maybe everyone can put their personal dislike for led's away. i was just asking a simple question. if i inquire about installing something on my boat and ask my marina if there is any issues with law enforcement about it and they say there is not and that "something" turns out to be illegal for me to use and for them to install... what should i do? nothing?

its like going to a gun shop and asking them if a gun is illegal and they say no. you purchase the gun and turns out its not a legal gun to possess or for them to sell. do you just say ok and forget about it or would you take it up with the gun shop owner?
 
scootdogg said:
maybe everyone can put their personal dislike for led's away. i was just asking a simple question. if i inquire about installing something on my boat and ask my marina if there is any issues with law enforcement about it and they say there is not and that "something" turns out to be illegal for me to use and for them to install... what should i do? nothing?

its like going to a gun shop and asking them if a gun is illegal and they say no. you purchase the gun and turns out its not a legal gun to possess or for them to sell. do you just say ok and forget about it or would you take it up with the gun shop owner?
Click to expand...

Better yet... you go buy a lawnmower and start it up and lift it up by reaching under the deck and your fingers get chopped off. Obviously it's the lawn mower company's fault.

You obviously had a suspicion about them being legal while running by asking the marina. I'll give you a suggestion... Don't get legal advice from bubba working at the marina or gun shop. Maybe a call to the police department asking about the lights? Or looking up the laws online for your area? Those might be a better source...

See.. if you I sell you a gun and you ask me if you can shoot a trespasser on your property, I'll tell you yes... probably not good.

You alone are responsible for following laws.. you can't blame anyone else.. it won't hold up in court..

You drink Coors?
 
but its not illegal for them to sell me a lawnmower. it is illegal for the marina to install the lights. i dont understand your comparison.
 
My read of the law was it is only illegal to sell flashing blue lights... whereas having blue lights (no mention of flashing) on your boat is prohibited.

and maybe they didn't know.... like you...

and I sure wouldn't take legal advice from me.
 
Four Suns said:
My read of the law was it is only illegal to sell flashing blue lights... whereas having blue lights (no mention of flashing) on your boat is prohibited.

and maybe they didn't know.... like you...

and I sure wouldn't take legal advice from me.
Click to expand...

Because I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night...:lol:
 
Scoot, By the regulation you posted: "The use of a blue
light by any other vessel is prohibited. A person other than a law enforcement officer who
activates, installs, or operates a FLASHIING blue light on a vessel other than a law enforcement
vessel is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.". The installer is off the hook because they are, I presume, not flashing. MM
 
my instrument panel lights are blue. is it illegal for me to have them running at night as well?
 
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