Rhode Island General Laws
Chapter 46-22 - Regulation of Boats
Section 46-22-14. - Local regulation.

§ 46-22-14. Local regulation.
(a) The provisions of this chapter, and of other applicable laws of this state, shall govern the operation, equipment, numbering, and all other matters relating thereto whenever any vessel shall be operated on the waters of this state, or when any activity regulated by this chapter shall take place thereon; but nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local law relating to operation and equipment of vessels, the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this chapter, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder; provided, that the ordinances or local laws shall be operative only so long as and to the extent that they continue to be identical to provisions of this chapter, amendments thereto, or regulations issued thereunder.
(b) Any subdivision of this state may, at any time, but only after public notice, make formal application to the department of environmental management for special rules and regulations with reference to the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits, and shall set forth therein the reasons which make those special rules or regulations necessary or appropriate.
(c) The department of environmental management is hereby authorized to make special rules and regulations, not inconsistent with chapter 9 of this title or the rules and regulations issued thereunder, with reference to the operation of vessels not more than sixty-five feet (65′) in length on any waters within the territorial limits of any subdivision of this state.
History of Section.P.L. 1959, ch. 187, § 1; P.L. 1965, ch. 134, § 2.

Structure Rhode Island General Laws

Rhode Island General Laws

Title 46 - Waters and Navigation

Chapter 46-22 - Regulation of Boats

Section 46-22-1. - Declaration of policy.

Section 46-22-2. - Definitions.

Section 46-22-3. - Operation of unnumbered motorboats prohibited.

Section 46-22-4. - Identification number and registration fee.

Section 46-22-5. - Classification and required equipment.

Section 46-22-6. - Exemption from numbering provisions of this chapter.

Section 46-22-7. - Boat liveries.

Section 46-22-8. - Muffling devices.

Section 46-22-9. - Prohibited operation.

Section 46-22-9.1. - Houseboats — Exclusion from coastal ponds.

Section 46-22-9.2. - Flotation devices — Children.

Section 46-22-9.3. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in death.

Section 46-22-9.4. - Operating so as to endanger, resulting in personal injury.

Section 46-22-9.5. - Speeding.

Section 46-22-9.6. - False distress or hoax calls.

Section 46-22-9.7. - Marine safety zones.

Section 46-22-9.8. - Certificate of boating safety education.

Section 46-22-10. - Collisions, accidents, and casualties.

Section 46-22-11. - Transmittal of information.

Section 46-22-12. - Water skis and surfboards.

Section 46-22-13. - Regattas, races, marine parades, tournaments, or exhibitions.

Section 46-22-13.1. - Marine safety zones.

Section 46-22-13.2. - Bridge safety.

Section 46-22-14. - Local regulation.

Section 46-22-15. - Owner’s civil liability.

Section 46-22-15.1. - Operation of boat by nonresident as appointment of attorney to receive process.

Section 46-22-15.2. - Service on nonresident.

Section 46-22-15.3. - Process fees as costs — Record of process.

Section 46-22-16. - Boat manufacturers and dealers.

Section 46-22-17. - Enforcement.

Section 46-22-17.1. - Enforcement power of employees of the department of environmental management.

Section 46-22-17.2. - Prosecution of violations.

Section 46-22-17.3. - Refusal to stop on order or command.

Section 46-22-18. - Funds.

Section 46-22-19. - Penalties.

Section 46-22-20. - Severability.

Section 46-22-21. - Reporting of accidents, casualty, vandalism, and thefts.

Section 46-22-22. - Owner required to make written reports.

Section 46-22-23. - Maximum speed within the city of Warwick.

Section 46-22-24. - Scuba divers, skin diving, or snorkeling — Warning flags.

Section 46-22-25. - Regulations.

Section 46-22-26. - Severability.