Sec. 80146.

(1) The department may promulgate rules to establish maximum motorboat speed limits or to allow unlimited motorboat speed on the waters of this state.

(2) On waters of this state for which a motorboat speed limit is not established under subsection (1), on any waters for which the department has not established an unlimited motorboat speed limit, or on any waters for which stricter speed restrictions are not established pursuant to an act, a maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour is established, except in an emergency and except for authorized peace and conservation officers when engaged in official duties. The maximum speed limit of 55 miles per hour does not apply to the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair, except for an area within 1 mile of the shoreline measured at a right angle from the shoreline. Upon receipt of a resolution by the governing body of a local unit of government having jurisdiction over waters of this state requesting a reduction in the maximum speed limit on those waters, the department, pursuant to sections 80108 to 80113, may establish a maximum speed limit not to exceed 40 miles per hour on those waters.

(3) A person shall not operate a motorboat on the waters of this state at a speed greater than slow—no wake speed or the minimum speed necessary for the motorboat to maintain forward movement when within 100 feet of the shoreline where the water depth is less than 3 feet, as determined by vertical measurement, except in navigable channels not otherwise posted.

(4) A person who violates subsection (2) or (3) is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00, unless 1 of the following conditions exists:

(a) The requirements of this section have been waived as described under subsection (5).

(b) The person violates this section in a manner that constitutes reckless operation of a motorboat as described in section 80147.

(5) The department may waive the requirements of this section and section 80156 for marine events authorized by the department under section 80164.

History: Add. 1995, Act 58, Imd. Eff. May 24, 1995 ;-- Am. 2007, Act 8, Imd. Eff. May 11, 2007 Popular Name: Act 451Popular Name: Marine Safety ActPopular Name: NREPA