Pennsylvania § 5501 - Reckless and negligent operation of watercraft.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5501 — Reckless and negligent operation of watercraft., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 5501. Reckless and negligent operation of watercraft.
(a) Reckless operation.--No person shall operate a watercraft in, upon or through the waters of this Commonwealth in a reckless manner. For the purposes of this subsection, reckless operation means operating a watercraft in a manner that consciously, willfully and wantonly disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk to the safety of persons or property in, upon or along the waters of this Commonwealth. Reckless operation of a watercraft involves a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable operator of a watercraft should observe under the circumstances. A person who violates this subsection commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(b) Negligent operation.--No person shall operate a watercraft in, upon or through the waters of this Commonwealth in a negligent manner. A person commits negligent operation of a watercraft if he operates the watercraft without due regard for the safety of persons or property in, upon or along the waters of this Commonwealth. Negligent operation of a watercraft involves a deviation from the ordinary standard of care that a reasonable operator of a watercraft should observe under the circumstances. A person who violates this subsection commits a summary offense of the first degree. Negligent operation is a lesser included offense of reckless operation of a watercraft.
(c) Aquaplanes and similar devices.--No person shall operate or manipulate any boat, tow rope, aquaplane or similar device in such a way as to cause the device or person thereon to collide with or strike against any object or person or in any way cause damage or injury to any object or person. A person who violates this subsection commits a summary offense of the first degree.
(d) Exceeding capacity prima facie evidence of negligence.--Exceeding the loading and horsepower limits for a boat as provided on the capacity plate issued for the boat is prima facie evidence of negligent operation of the boat.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 5501
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5501 cover?
Section 5501 ("Reckless and negligent operation of watercraft.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania § 5501?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 5501" (Pennsylvania). 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 Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 5501 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.