Boating Violations in Long Island

What You Need to Know Before You Hit the Water

Summer on Long Island means getting out on the water — whether it’s the Great South Bay, Huntington Harbor, the Peconic, or the Long Island Sound. But while boating can be one of the best parts of the season, it also comes with legal responsibilities. Law enforcement is active on the water, and boating violations can lead to serious consequences.

At MontanaroLaw, we offer legal defense for boating violations across Long Island, in addition to our well-known traffic ticket defense services. If you’ve been stopped or cited while boating, here’s what you need to know.

Common Boating Violations in Long Island

Here are some of the most frequent boating violations we see in Nassau and Suffolk counties:

1. Boating While Intoxicated (BWI)

Operating a boat while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense in New York. It carries penalties similar to a DWI, including:

• Fines of up to $1,000 (first offense)

• Potential jail time

• Boating license suspension or revocation

• Possible impact on your driver’s license

• A permanent criminal record

Whether you’re partying off Fire Island or cruising the North Fork, BWI enforcement is aggressive, especially on weekends and holidays.

2. Reckless Operation

Reckless or negligent boating — including speeding through no-wake zones, weaving through other vessels, or creating dangerous wake — can lead to serious tickets and even criminal charges. On Long Island’s crowded waterways, these are among the most commonly issued citations.

3. Missing Safety Equipment

Marine units routinely stop boats for safety inspections. Failing to carry required gear can result in fines. New York law requires:

• Life jackets for all passengers

• Fire extinguishers

• Navigation lights

• Sound-signaling devices (like a horn or whistle)

Don’t let a missing life vest turn into a court appearance.

4. Unlicensed or Underage Operation

Anyone operating a motorized boat born on or after January 1, 1983, must have a New York Safe Boating Certificate in 2025 — and this expands every year. Jet Ski (PWC) operators must be at least 14 and certified. Many tickets are issued to teens or young adults who don’t realize these rules apply to them.

5. Improper Registration

Expired or missing boat registration, incorrect hull numbers, or failing to display stickers properly are all common reasons for getting stopped on the water.

What Happens If You Get a Boating Ticket?

If you’re stopped by the Nassau County Marine Bureau, Suffolk County Police Marine Patrol, or New York State Park Police, you may receive a ticket or be ordered to appear in local court — often in the town or village where the incident occurred.

These tickets are not just a slap on the wrist. They can result in:

• Steep fines

• Court appearances

• Criminal charges

• Impacts on your driving record or insurance

How MontanaroLaw Can Help

Whether you were cited in Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson, Patchogue, or anywhere on Long Island, we can help you:

• Contest or reduce your boating ticket

• Fight BWI charges

• Avoid points or license issues

• Navigate town and village courts

• Protect your record and your wallet

We understand the local court systems, law enforcement practices, and boating regulations unique to Long Island’s waterways — and we use that knowledge to your advantage.

Don’t Let a Boating Ticket Sink Your Summer

If you’ve received a boating violation on Long Island, don’t ignore it — and don’t go it alone. Let MontanaroLaw help you fight back and keep your summer stress-free.

Contact us today and let us protect your rights — on land and on the water.