#2026-434France Penalizes Drunk and Unsafe Operation of Motor Pleasure Boats
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This decree makes it an offence to operate a motor pleasure boat while visibly drunk in French maritime zones. Offenders face a fourth-class fine and may also lose their boating licence for up to one year or have the boat confiscated if they own it or have free use of it. It also requires motor pleasure boat operators to keep control of their speed and slow down in risky situations, including near other vessels, in heavy traffic, poor visibility, bad weather, or near swimmers, divers, and obstacles. Failure to control or reduce speed is also punishable by a fourth-class fine, and the offence can be handled under the simplified criminal fine procedure.
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Key Changes
- Creates a fine for operating a motor pleasure boat while visibly drunk in designated French maritime zones
- Allows additional penalties, including loss of boating licence for up to one year and possible confiscation of the boat
- Requires motor pleasure boat operators to control and reduce speed in risky maritime conditions
Obligations
What this law requires
Do not operate a motor pleasure boat in French maritime zones while in a state of manifest intoxication.
Motor pleasure boat operators must remain constantly in control of their vessel's speed and adapt speed to the surrounding environment while navigating in French maritime zones.
Motor pleasure boat operators must reduce speed when crossing or overtaking another vessel or floating craft, or when maritime traffic is dense.
Motor pleasure boat operators must reduce speed when visibility is reduced, including at night, or when weather conditions are unfavorable, including rain, other precipitation, or fog.
Motor pleasure boat operators must reduce speed when navigating near swimmers, divers, or physical obstacles.