Alabama § 33-5-70 - Reckless Operation of Vehicle; Careless Operation; Violation of Rules; Penalties.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 33-5-70 — Reckless Operation of Vehicle; Careless Operation; Violation of Rules; Penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 33-5-70. Reckless Operation of Vehicle; Careless Operation; Violation of Rules; Penalties.
(a) It is unlawful to operate a vessel in a reckless manner upon the waters of this state. A person is guilty of the reckless operation of a vessel if the person operates any vessel, or manipulates any water skis, aquaplane, or other marine transportation device, upon the waters of this state in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property at a speed or in a manner likely to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150).
(b) Any person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall operate the vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner, so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. The endangerment of life, limb, or property through the negligence, carelessness, or inattention of any person operating a vessel on the waters of this state shall constitute careless operation of a vessel. Vessel wake and shoreline wash resulting from the reasonable and prudent operation of a vessel, absent negligence, shall not constitute damage or endangerment to property. Any person who violates this subsection shall be guilty of a boating violation and shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100).
(c) Each person operating a vessel upon the waters of this state shall comply with all of the rules of the secretary.
- (1) A person whose violation of the rules results in a boating accident, but whose violation did not constitute reckless or careless operation of a vessel, shall be guilty of a boating violation and shall be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100).
- (2) A person whose violation of the rules does not result in a boating accident and does not constitute reckless or careless operation of a vessel shall be guilty of a boating violation.
- (d) In addition to all other penalties contained in this section, any person convicted of violating this section shall be subject to the revocation or suspension of his or her boating safety certification, vessel operator’s certification, or vessel operating privileges upon the waters of this state, as provided by law and rules adopted by the secretary.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 33-5-70
What does Code of Alabama § 33-5-70 cover?
Section 33-5-70 ("Reckless Operation of Vehicle; Careless Operation; Violation of Rules; Penalties.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 33-5-70?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 33-5-70" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 33-5-70 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.