Tickets for not using boat lights properly

[Joe Tedaro]

I just received this email:

 

The AGFC Enforcement Division and Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) - Mountain Home Office have received complaints of boaters not using their lights or not using them properly while on the water.

 

We know that most people want to operate their boats safely and obey all the regulations. However, we don't want to see anyone ticketed, so we hope this email helps to get the word out about this issue.

 

These specific boat lights must be on between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility, even if anchored, on federally controlled water bodies, such as Bull Shoals and Norfork Lakes. 

The aft white light must always be on if anchored or moving. The bow red-and-green light is required to also be on if moving.  

 

For the specifics, go to Page 34 of the “2022 AGFC Fishing Guide Book” (Link) and pages 10 and 32 of the “Handbook of Arkansas Boating Laws and Responsibilities 2022 Edition” (Link).

 

Please be safe out there and always use your lights. Remember, the life you save may be your own or someone you love! 

[3DHUSKER]

Same in Mo.  

[Dutch]

Did it go out to lots of folks?

[Joe Tedaro]

It went out to the Lake Norfork Striper club and the Twin Lakes Walleye Club in Mountain Home Arkansas.

[MOPanfisher]

Hmm, never seen an email like that before.  Wonder how they got their list of who to send it to.  I have been checking my email since I used it when buying an AR license on line, haven't received anything yet.

[MoCarp]

You also can’t obscure the red and green coast guard cracking the whip ,most BFing rigs can’t comply because you can’t see running lights at distance 

[tjm]

Daughter lives on Grand Lake and any given night you can see boats moving and stopped with no visible lights,  I've wondered for years why there was no enforcement.

Aren't the nav lights a Federal regulation?

[Dutch]

Probably not many patrol officers assigned.  I rarely see one at Stockton and don’t remember the last time I saw them on Table Rock.  Maybe no one is calling in to report it.

[fishinwrench]

Maybe they need to reduce the nighttime speed limit even further.   

If you're traveling at night and can't see A BOAT in front of you then YOU should be the one ticketed for not using good judgement.   Reminds me of the stupid game my kids used to play, where they throw a towel over their heads and run around the house like idiots until they crash into a wall, piece of furniture, or go flying off the top of the staircase.   

The game isn't over until someone starts bleeding, crying, or is in need of immediate medical attention.  🙄