Boating - Safe Speed in Virginia
Speed limit laws apply for boats in certain areas and are determined by local ordinance. Special white buoys with orange markings will mark the zones where these laws take effect. While Virginia does not have speed limits on its waterways, you must always operate your boat so that it will not endanger others.
No wake
"No Wake" speed is defined as the slowest speed possible to maintain headway and steerageway.
It is unlawful to operate any motorboat at greater than no wake speed in areas marked with regulatory "No Wake" buoys.
It is unlawful to operate any motorboat or personal watercraft at greater than "no wake" speed when within 50 feet or less of docks, piers, boathouses, boat ramps, or people in the water.
Additionally, personal watercraft must come to "no wake" speed when within 50 feet or less of vessels other than personal watercraft.
