{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-json\/29.1-746.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-text\/29.1-746.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-xml\/29.1-746.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2026\/code-html\/29.1-746.html"}],"law_id":357171,"edition_id":2,"section_id":357171,"structure_id":51096,"section_number":"29.1-746","catch_line":"Penalties","history":"1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.18; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659, \u00a7 62.1-185; 1984, c. 417; 1987, c. 488; 2006, c. 23.","full_text":"A\n\nUnless specified otherwise, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor for each such violation.\n\nB\n\nUpon the conviction of any person for the violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted thereunder for which the criminal penalty is a Class 3 misdemeanor or greater, the court shall order the person to complete and pass a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the Department. A list of such courses shall be made available by the Department. Any person who has been ordered by the court to complete and pass a boating safety course shall submit to the court, in a form approved by the Department, proof of completion and passage of the course within six months of the time of his conviction. If the person who has been required to complete and pass a boating safety course is under 18 years of age, the court may require the person to obtain parental consent to enroll in the course. If the person does not complete and pass the boating safety course within the prescribed time period, the court may, for good cause, extend the period for completion; however, absent good cause, the court shall impose a fine not to exceed $250.\n\n","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":1329258,"text":"Unless specified otherwise, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor for each such violation.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":1329259,"text":"Upon the conviction of any person for the violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation adopted thereunder for which the criminal penalty is a Class 3 misdemeanor or greater, the court shall order the person to complete and pass a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and accepted by the Department. A list of such courses shall be made available by the Department. Any person who has been ordered by the court to complete and pass a boating safety course shall submit to the court, in a form approved by the Department, proof of completion and passage of the course within six months of the time of his conviction. If the person who has been required to complete and pass a boating safety course is under 18 years of age, the court may require the person to obtain parental consent to enroll in the course. If the person does not complete and pass the boating safety course within the prescribed time period, the court may, for good cause, extend the period for completion; however, absent good cause, the court shall impose a fine not to exceed $250.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A"}},"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":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},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/29.1-746\/","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 6 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 1962, chapter 626; in 1964, chapter 654; in 1968, chapter 659; in 1984, chapter 417; in 1987, chapter 488; in 2006, chapter 23<\/a>.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":1420769,"object_type":"law","relational_id":357171,"identifier":"29.1-746","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-746","url":"\/29.1-746\/","edition_id":2,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/29.1-746\/","token":"29.1\/7\/3\/29.1-746","dublin_core":{"Title":"Penalties","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 29.1-746","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Unless specified otherwise, any person who violates any provision of this chapter or any regulation<\/span> adopted under this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor<\/span> for each such violation. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Upon the conviction<\/span> of any person for the violation of any provision of this chapter or any regulation<\/span> adopted thereunder for which the criminal penalty<\/span> is a Class 3 misdemeanor<\/span> or greater, the court<\/span> shall order<\/span> the person to complete and pass a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law<\/span> Administrators and accepted by the Department<\/span>. A list of such courses shall be made available by the Department<\/span>. Any person who has been ordered by the court<\/span> to complete and pass a boating safety course shall submit to the court<\/span>, in a form approved by the Department<\/span>, proof of completion and passage of the course within six months of the time of his conviction<\/span>. If the person who has been required to complete and pass a boating safety course is under 18 years of age, the court<\/span> may require the person to obtain parental consent to enroll in the course. If the person does not complete and pass the boating safety course within the prescribed time period, the court<\/span> may, for good cause, extend the period for completion; however, absent good cause, the court<\/span> shall impose a fine not to exceed $250. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPENALTIES (\u00a7 29.1-746)\n\nA. Unless specified otherwise, any person who violates any provision of this\nchapter or any regulation adopted under this chapter shall be guilty of a Class\n4 misdemeanor for each such violation.\n\nB. Upon the conviction of any person for the violation of any provision of this\nchapter or any regulation adopted thereunder for which the criminal penalty is a\nClass 3 misdemeanor or greater, the court shall order the person to complete and\npass a boating safety course approved by the National Association of State\nBoating Law Administrators and accepted by the Department. A list of such\ncourses shall be made available by the Department. Any person who has been\nordered by the court to complete and pass a boating safety course shall submit\nto the court, in a form approved by the Department, proof of completion and\npassage of the course within six months of the time of his conviction. If the\nperson who has been required to complete and pass a boating safety course is\nunder 18 years of age, the court may require the person to obtain parental\nconsent to enroll in the course. If the person does not complete and pass the\nboating safety course within the prescribed time period, the court may, for good\ncause, extend the period for completion; however, absent good cause, the court\nshall impose a fine not to exceed $250.\n\nHISTORY: 1960, c. 500, \u00a7 62-174.18; 1962, c. 626; 1964, c. 654; 1968, c. 659,\n\u00a7 62.1-185; 1984, c. 417; 1987, c. 488; 2006, c. 23.","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"}}