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Speeding on the water: boat speed limits and fines in Germany and worldwide

There is rarely a sign on every bend, yet speeding on the water can cost you dearly. This map shows the speed limits for your boat, how fast you may go near the shore, in harbours and off bathing beaches, and what fines and other penalties follow. Germany comes first in full detail; worldwide you will find every country for which we have an official source.

Speed limits and fines worldwide on the map

General speed limitSpeed limits in zones and on certain watersNo statutory speed limitno details yet

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41 countries with an official source. Tap a country or pick it from the list.

Germany
zone limits

Applies to
Federal law applies on federal waterways: the BinSchStrO inland, the MoselSchPV on the Moselle, the SeeSchStrO on the coast and the NordSBefV in the North Sea Wadden Sea. Lake Constance has its own BSO. Many inland lakes belong to the federal states and are governed by state regulations.
Maximum speed
There is no general speed limit. The BinSchStrO sets limits waterway by waterway, for example 10 km/h on many canals in Berlin and Brandenburg and 12 to 15 km/h for small craft on the north German canals. Moselle 30 km/h, Lake Constance 40 km/h. Kiel Canal 15 km/h over ground, Wadden Sea National Park 12 knots over ground.
Shore, harbour, beach
On the coast, outside the fairway and within 500 m of places where people are visibly bathing, the limit is 8 km/h. On Lake Constance motorboats may enter the 300 m shore zone only to berth or cast off, at no more than 10 km/h. In Berlin and Brandenburg pleasure craft may do 25 km/h on lakes wider than 250 m, outside a 100 m strip along the shore.
Fine
Under the official fines catalogue, up to 3 km/h too fast costs a 35 euro warning fine or a 100 euro fine, above that 55 or 150 euros. Beyond 6 km/h the standard fine is 225 euros inland and 175 to 500 euros at sea. The ceiling is 10,000 euros inland, 50,000 euros at sea, 5,000 euros in the Wadden Sea and 2,500 euros on the Bavarian part of Lake Constance.
Other penalties
Anyone who repeatedly exceeds a set speed limit is normally regarded as unreliable, and the authority can suspend the recreational boating licence. Grossly negligent driving that endangers others is a criminal offence under section 315a of the Criminal Code, punishable by up to five years in prison or a fine.
Legal basis
§ 26 Abs. 3, 4 SeeSchStrO; Bekanntmachung zur SeeSchStrO Nr. 12; §§ 1.26, 10.04 bis 27.04 BinSchStrO; § 8.01a MoselSchPV; §§ 7, 10 NordSBefV; Art. 6.02, 6.11 BSO; § 15 SeeAufgG; § 7 BinSchAufgG; § 50 WaStrG; § 11 EV-BodenseeSchO (Bayern); BVKatBin-See lfd. Nr. 22.304110 bis 22.304130, 33.137100 bis 33.137300; § 14 SpFV; § 315a StGB[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17]
Austria
general limit

Applies to
The Lake and River Traffic Regulation (SFVO) covers lakes and rivers that are not designated waterways. The Danube including the Danube Canal, the March, Enns and Traun fall under the Waterways Traffic Regulation (WVO). Lake Constance has its own regulation.
Maximum speed
On all waters under the SFVO the limit is 50 km/h by day and 25 km/h at night. On the Danube the WVO sets no general limit but requires a safe speed and care to avoid wash. Motorised pleasure craft may use the Vienna Danube Canal only upstream, April to October between 9 am and 10 pm, at up to 20 km/h. Lake Constance 40 km/h.
Shore, harbour, beach
On lakes, motorboats may only come closer than 200 m to the shore or a reed belt to berth, cast off or moor, taking the shortest route at no more than 10 km/h. Where shore zones meet or overlap, boats must keep to the middle at up to 25 km/h. Water skiing in the shore zone is only allowed in designated take-off and landing lanes.
Fine
Breaches of the SFVO are administrative offences under section 42(1) of the Shipping Act, punishable by a fine of 72 to 3,633 euros unless the act is a criminal offence for the courts.
Legal basis
§§ 74, 102 SFVO (BGBl. II Nr. 98/2013 idF BGBl. II Nr. 204/2023); § 20.05 Z 13 WVO (BGBl. II Nr. 31/2019 idF BGBl. II Nr. 204/2023); § 42 Abs. 1 SchFG; Art. 6.02, 6.11 BSO[18][19][20][15][16]
Switzerland
zone limits

Applies to
Lakes and rivers fall under the Inland Navigation Ordinance (BSV). Lake Constance and the adjoining stretches of the Rhine are covered by the Lake Constance Navigation Regulation (BSO). Cantons can also set general speed limits for their own waters.
Maximum speed
There is no fixed national speed limit on lakes; you must keep to a speed that lets you meet your obligations at all times. Lake Constance has a 40 km/h limit. On the Old Rhine and the Seerhein to Ermatingen the limit is 10 km/h, and on the High Rhine below the Untersee 10 km/h upstream and 20 km/h downstream.
Shore, harbour, beach
The inner shore zone extends 150 m from the bank, the outer zone up to 300 m. Motorboats may use the inner zone only to berth, cast off, moor or pass narrows by the shortest route. Both zones have a 10 km/h limit. Water skiing and wakesurfing there are only allowed in approved lanes. Lake Constance has a 300 m shore zone with 10 km/h.
Fine
Fixed penalties for exceeding the limit by no more than 15 km/h: inner shore zone or within 150 m CHF 150, outer shore zone CHF 100, Lake Constance CHF 100, a cantonal general limit CHF 100. Above 15 km/h the case goes through ordinary criminal proceedings and a fine.
Other penalties
A gross breach of the rules that seriously endangers others can bring up to three years in prison or a monetary penalty. The boat licence can also be withdrawn: for at least one month after a medium offence and at least three months after a serious one. Minor cases lead to a warning.
Legal basis
Art. 53 BSV (SR 747.201.1); Art. 6.02, 6.11, 10.01, 10.03 BSO (SR 747.223.1); Anhang 1 Ziff. 7402, 7410, 7411 OBV (SR 314.11); Art. 20, 20a, 20b, 40 BSG (SR 747.201)[21][22][23][24]
Netherlands
general limit

Applies to
The Inland Waterways Police Regulation (BPR) applies on inland waters. Fast motorboats are craft able to exceed 20 km/h, including jet skis and water scooters. The competent authority designates stretches and areas where higher speeds are allowed.
Maximum speed
Fast motorboats may not exceed 20 km/h through the water anywhere in the country unless local rules say otherwise. Designated fast-boating areas have no fixed limit. Fast boating is banned at night and in darkness, with a few exceptions around Rotterdam. Local signs can set their own maximum speeds.
Shore, harbour, beach
Even in fast-boating areas, high speed is not allowed within 20 m of the bank unless signs say otherwise, within 50 m of swimming or mooring spots, within 100 m of harbour entrances, inside harbours, near ferries, with visibility under 500 m or near races and events.
Fine
Police penalty notices for skippers of fast motorboats above 20 km/h: up to 6 km/h over costs 110 euros, 6 to 15 km/h 160 euros, 15 to 25 km/h 240 euros. From 25 km/h over there is no fixed tariff and the public prosecutor decides. Small craft exceeding a posted limit pay 110, 160 or 240 euros up to 26 km/h over.
Legal basis
Art. 1.01, 8.06, 8.07 Binnenvaartpolitiereglement (BPR); OM Feitenboekje 2026, feitcodes W 065 a bis f, W 075 a bis f[25][26][27]
Belgium
general limit

Applies to
On the Flemish waterways, Articles 58 and 59 of the General Regulation for Navigable Waterways set the maximum speed. Special navigation regulations and notices from the waterway managers can set higher or lower limits.
Maximum speed
Each waterway has its own limit, mostly between 6 and 18 km/h. Examples: Brussels-Scheldt Maritime Canal 18 km/h with a draught under 1.50 m, Boudewijnkanaal 7.2 km/h, Charleroi canal 8 km/h and 3 km/h at narrows. Pleasure craft may only go faster on designated fast stretches, by day and with visibility over 500 m.
Shore, harbour, beach
On the Charleroi canal the limit is 4 km/h when boats run close to the bank to pass each other. Fast pleasure craft must keep their speed low enough to avoid harmful wash. Sailing and rowing boats are generally not allowed on the fast stretches.
Legal basis
Art. 58, 59 Algemeen Reglement der Scheepvaartwegen van het Koninkrijk (K.B. 15 oktober 1935); bijzondere scheepvaartreglementen (K.B. 7 september 1950)[28]
Luxembourg
general limit

Applies to
The main navigable water is the Moselle, governed by the joint Moselle police regulation. On the Upper Sûre reservoir boats with combustion or electric motors are generally banned; only rowing, sailing and paddle craft are allowed, in zone II B.
Maximum speed
On the Moselle the general limit is 30 km/h relative to the bank. Small craft may go faster on open river stretches as long as the visible water ahead is clear, but never above 60 km/h. Boats towing water skiers are exempt on designated stretches.
Shore, harbour, beach
Jet skis and similar personal watercraft must keep a clear straight course and may only be used between 7 am and 8 pm with visibility over 1,000 m. Boats must slow down when approaching locks.
Legal basis
Règlement de police pour la navigation de la Moselle (section Vitesse, entspricht § 8.01a MoselSchPV); Règlement grand-ducal du 16 avril 2021, art. 8[29][6][30]
France
zone limits

Applies to
On the coast the maritime prefectures regulate navigation in the 300 m coastal strip. The local council is responsible for bathing zones and activities launched from the beach. Local orders can add speed limits beyond the strip.
Maximum speed
There is no general speed limit at sea. You must stay in control of your speed and adapt it to the conditions. Local maritime prefecture orders can impose maximum speeds, for example 10 knots off Le Grau-du-Roi in summer.
Shore, harbour, beach
Within the coastal strip up to 300 m from shore, boats and motorised craft are limited to 5 knots at all times. Bathing zones are marked with yellow buoys and are then closed to all water sports.
Fine
Breaches of maritime prefecture orders are prosecuted under Articles L5242-2 and L5243-6 of the Transport Code and Article R610-5 of the Criminal Code. Since June 2026, failing to stay in control of a motorised pleasure craft is a fourth class offence, carrying a fine of up to 750 euros.
Other penalties
The orders also refer to Articles 6 and 7 of Decree 2007-1167 on the pleasure craft licence, which provides for measures against the licence.
Legal basis
Arrêtés des préfets maritimes (bande littorale des 300 mètres), p. ex. arrêté préfectoral n° 178/2023 PREMAR Méditerranée; art. L5242-2, L5243-6 code des transports; art. R610-5, 131-13 code pénal; décret n° 2026-434 du 2 juin 2026; art. 6 et 7 décret n° 2007-1167[31][32][33][34][35]
Spain
zone limits

Applies to
Coastal waters. A fixed limit applies in the bathing zones along the shore. Out at sea there is no number; you must keep to a safe speed.
Maximum speed
No more than 3 knots in the bathing zone. Where the coast is not buoyed, the bathing zone is the strip 200 m off beaches and 50 m off the rest of the coast.
Shore, harbour, beach
Leisure craft, jet skis included, may not enter buoyed bathing zones at all. Launching and landing are only allowed through the marked access channels.
Fine
Entering bathing zones or speeding in the 200 m or 50 m strip is a serious breach of maritime safety: a fine of up to €180,000. There is no fixed tariff; the authority sets the amount case by case.
Other penalties
The amount depends on factors such as risk, damage and repeat offending. Any damage caused must also be made good. The statutory suspension of certificates applies to professional titles, not to leisure licences.
Legal basis
Real Decreto 876/2014 (Reglamento General de Costas), art. 73; Real Decreto Legislativo 2/2011 (TRLPEMM), arts. 307.2 l), 312.2 b), 312.10, 313, 314[36][37]
Italy
zone limits

Applies to
Harbours, beaches, mooring fields and launch corridors. The limits are set locally by the harbour authorities (Capitanerie di porto), usually in their yearly bathing ordinance.
Shore, harbour, beach
There is no single national limit. The law does, however, expressly penalise exceeding the local limits in harbours, near mooring fields, beaches and lidos, in launch corridors and near boats at anchor. Check the ordinance for the area you sail in.
Fine
A fine of €414 to €2,066. Speed is measured with officially approved equipment.
Other penalties
Your boating licence is suspended for one to three months. A repeat offence within two years leads to the licence being revoked.
Legal basis
D.Lgs. 18 luglio 2005, n. 171 (Codice della nautica da diporto), art. 53, commi 6, 9 e 10[38]
Croatia
zone limits

Applies to
Inland sea waters and territorial sea: the coastal strip up to 300 m, narrow channels, harbour approaches and anchorages, plus certain passages and the River Zrmanja.
Maximum speed
Within 300 m of the coast, in narrow channels and at harbour and anchorage approaches: no more than 8 knots. Motorboats and jet skis may only plane more than 300 m from shore. Harbour authorities can set stricter local limits.
Shore, harbour, beach
Boats under 15 m must keep at least 50 m from the coast and from the boundary of a managed beach; boats of 15 to 30 m keep 150 m from the coast and 100 m from the beach. Keep 50 m from diver buoys.
Legal basis
Pravilnik o sigurnosti pomorske plovidbe u unutarnjim morskim vodama i teritorijalnom moru Republike Hrvatske (NN 52/2025, 40/2026), čl. 49, čl. 50; Pomorski zakonik (NN 181/04 … 17/19), čl. 64.a, čl. 1002. st. 2.[39][40]
Slovenia
no limit

Applies to
Inland sea waters and territorial sea. Instead of a speed limit, the Maritime Code sets minimum distances from the shore.
Shore, harbour, beach
Planing boats must stay at least 250 m from the shore, ships 300 m and other craft 200 m, except when entering, leaving or moving within a harbour. Keep at least 50 m from bathing areas and 100 m from diver buoys.
Fine
Breaking the minimum distance from the shore or a diver buoy, or entering a closed zone, costs a private individual €400 to €5,000.
Legal basis
Pomorski zakonik (PZ-UPB5, Uradni list RS 62/2016; PZ-I, Uradni list RS 76/2023), 77. člen, 978. člen[41][42]
Montenegro
zone limits

Applies to
The coastal strip up to 300 m, the Bay of Kotor and its narrows, several nature parks and Lake Skadar.
Maximum speed
Within 300 m of the coast or of a managed beach boundary: no more than 6 knots. Bay of Kotor: 6 knots within 300 m of shore, 10 knots further out; planing boats only in fast corridors, up to 18 knots. Lake Skadar: 4 and 10 knots.
Shore, harbour, beach
Boats under 15 m must keep at least 50 m from the shore or bathing area, boats of 15 to 30 m 150 m. Jet skis are banned in the Platamuni, Katič and Stari Ulcinj nature parks and in the Blue Cave.
Fine
Ignoring the speed limit costs a private individual €500 to €2,000. For a repeat offence the fine can rise to five times the minimum amount.
Legal basis
Pravilnik o sigurnosti plovidbe, izvještavanju i upravljanju pomorskim saobraćajem (Sl. list CG 69/2026), čl. 60–64, 73, 74, 76; Zakon o sigurnosti pomorske plovidbe (Sl. list CG 160/2025), čl. 8 st. 3, čl. 296 st. 1 tač. 4 i st. 2[43][44]
Albania
zone limits

Applies to
The near-shore zone, harbours, bays and channels. Fixed figures apply to jet skis, kitesurfers and when coming alongside.
Maximum speed
Jet skis: from April to November no more than 10 knots within 500 m of the coast, and 3 knots when landing. Motorboats and jet skis: no more than 4 knots in channels, bays and harbours. Kitesurfers: 5 knots within 200 m of the shore.
Shore, harbour, beach
Jet skis must stay beyond the swimming limit and never closer than 300 m to the shore, and no further out than 1 nautical mile. Boats may not enter swimming zones.
Legal basis
VKM nr. 845, datë 28.10.2020 (ndryshuar me VKM nr. 121, datë 26.2.2025), kreu III pika 9, kreu V pika 5; VKM nr. 321, datë 28.5.2014, Shtojca B-2 dhe Shtojca C[45][46]
Greece
zone limits

Applies to
The coastal zone up to 200 m for speedboats and up to 500 m for jet skis, plus bathing areas and the launch channels at beaches.
Maximum speed
Speedboats may not exceed 5 knots within 200 m of the coast, even where nobody is swimming. The same applies to jet skis within 500 m. Leaving or reaching a beach outside bathing facilities: 3 knots, or 1 knot if swimmers are near.
Shore, harbour, beach
Motorised craft are banned inside the bathing buoys. Speedboats must stay 100 m from those buoys and jet skis 200 m. Where there are no buoys, keep 200 m (jet skis 300 m) from the point swimmers usually reach.
Legal basis
Γενικός Κανονισμός Λιμένα αρ. 20 (ΦΕΚ Β’ 444/1999, άτυπη κωδικοποίηση ΛΣ-ΕΛΑΚΤ), άρθρα 4 παρ. 1 περ. ι), 9 παρ. 5, 26 παρ. 3, 30, 39 παρ. 1 και 3; ν.δ. 187/1973 (ΚΔΝΔ), άρθρο 157 παρ. 1, όπως ισχύει μετά τον ν. 4926/2022[47][48]
Türkiye
no limit

Applies to
Harbours and bays. There is no national figure; leisure craft must go slowly enough to cause no damage. The harbour master sets local limits where needed.
Shore, harbour, beach
Swimming areas up to 200 m from the shore are marked off at beaches and in front of hotels and holiday villages from 1 April to 15 November. Boats and other craft may not enter them.
Legal basis
Limanlar Yönetmeliği (Resmî Gazete 31.10.2012, Sayı 28453), madde 21 (2), madde 22 (14), madde 39[49][50]
Malta
zone limits

Applies to
The listed harbours and bays, such as Grand Harbour, Marsamxett, St Julian's, Xlendi and Mġarr, plus the coastal strip off sandy beaches and the rest of the shore.
Maximum speed
Motor craft may not exceed 10 knots in harbours, within 300 m of a sandy beach and within 200 m of any other part of the shore. Water-skiing is banned in these zones.
Fine
Speeding in these zones carries a fixed fine of €600. Careless or dangerous navigation is also €600, and operating under the influence of alcohol €1,000.
Other penalties
After a conviction you are normally disqualified from holding any licence from the authority for twelve months. On a second conviction the court may cancel the licence. Officers can also order the boat out of the water.
Legal basis
Small Ships Regulations (S.L. 499.52), regulations 25, 26, 28, 45, 47, 48, Second Schedule Part I, Third Schedule[51]
Cyprus
zone limits

Applies to
Boat lanes between bathing areas and the strip within 100 m of any shore, rock or islet. Applies to speedboats up to 15 m.
Maximum speed
No more than 3 knots in the boat lanes and within 100 m of the shore, rocks and islets, without creating a dangerous wash. Stopping and anchoring in the lanes are banned.
Shore, harbour, beach
Jet skis may not go further than 700 m out and must keep 100 m from the bathing buoys, reaching the shore only through the lanes. From May to September only 10:00–13:00 and 16:00–19:00, except beyond 500 m.
Legal basis
Ο περί Ταχύπλοων Σκαφών Νόμος 56(I)/1992, άρθρα 2, 16Α, 19; Οι περί Ταχύπλοων Σκαφών Κανονισμοί του 1999 (Κ.Δ.Π. 121/99), Κανονισμοί 31, 32, 34[52][53][54]
Portugal
zone limits

Applies to
Bathing beaches, harbours and marinas. The rules are set by each local harbour master in an edital. Example: Capitania do Porto de Cascais.
Shore, harbour, beach
Cascais example: during the bathing season, boats may not navigate within 300 m of bathing beaches, except through marked corridors, slowly and at right angles to the shore. In the harbour area and marina: 3 knots.
Fine
Breaches of the edital are administrative offences under the maritime authority law. For breaches of the collision regulations, the Cascais edital states a fine of €400 to €2,500.
Legal basis
Edital n.º 950/2024 da Capitania do Porto de Cascais (Diário da República, 2.ª série, n.º 133, 11.07.2024); Decreto-Lei n.º 45/2002, artigo 4.º, n.º 2, alínea b)[55]
Monaco
zone limits

Applies to
The 300 m coastal strip, harbour entrances, harbours and channels. The limit applies at all times, even where there are no buoys.
Maximum speed
Within 300 m of the shore and of harbour entrances: no more than 5 knots. In harbours and channels: no more than 3 knots. This applies to every craft, jet skis included.
Shore, harbour, beach
Jet skis only by day, no more than one nautical mile from shore, and never in bathing zones, protected areas or zones marked with yellow buoys. Arrivals and departures only via the designated channels.
Other penalties
The boat may only leave port once a deposit equal to the maximum fine has been lodged. For dangerous behaviour in port, the port company can withdraw your berth.
Legal basis
Code de la mer, art. O.700-1 (OS n° 10.292 du 22.12.2023), art. O.752-4, O.752-5, L.770-1, L.770-3; Code pénal, art. 26 chiffre 1, art. 29 chiffre 4; Arrêté Ministériel n° 2023-503 du 7 septembre 2023, points 34.3 et 56.3[56][57][58]
Denmark
zone limits

Applies to
The only nationwide limit applies to jet skis and similar craft within 300 metres of the coast. For motorboats, each police district issues its own rules for the coastal strip.
Maximum speed
Jet skis: within 300 metres of the shore, no more than 5 knots, and only on a direct course at right angles to the coast. Jet skis are banned outright in Natura 2000 sites, wildlife reserves and protected sea areas.
Shore, harbour, beach
Example, Funen: the Funen Police regulations limit all powered craft, jet skis included, to 5 knots within 300 metres of the coast. In Svendborg Sound and around Fænø the 5-knot limit also applies further out.
Fine
Breaches of the jet ski order and of the police district regulations are punishable by a fine (bøde). The rules do not set a fixed amount.
Legal basis
Bekendtgørelse nr. 809 af 9. august 2019 om regulering af ikkeerhvervsmæssig sejlads på søterritoriet med vandscootere m.v., §§ 2, 3 stk. 2, 15; Reglement for sejlads med motordrevne fartøjer ... i Fyns Politikreds (2023), § 2 stk. 2, §§ 5–7 (udstedt i medfør af ordensbekendtgørelsens § 14, stk. 3)[59][60]
Sweden
zone limits

Applies to
There is no general speed limit at sea. County administrative boards (Länsstyrelse) set limits in their own maritime traffic rules, usually at harbour entrances and narrows, sometimes only in certain seasons.
Maximum speed
Limits are shown on signs and published in each county's rules. Where none is signed, you must use good seamanship and adapt your speed to the conditions.
Fine
Fixed penalties for boats: up to 5 knots over the limit SEK 1,000; 6–10 knots SEK 1,500; 11–15 knots SEK 2,000; 16–20 knots SEK 2,500; 21–25 knots SEK 3,000.
Other penalties
Above 25 knots over the limit there is no fixed penalty; the Coast Guard reports the case to a prosecutor. It is usually treated as negligence at sea: a fine or up to six months in prison, up to two years if serious.
Legal basis
Sjötrafikförordningen (1986:300) 2 kap. 2 § och 5 kap. 1 §; Riksåklagarens föreskrifter (SFS 2024:1084) om ordningsbot för vissa brott, bilaga; Sjölag (1994:1009) 20 kap. 2–3 §§[61][62][63]
Norway
zone limits

Applies to
The only nationwide limit applies near bathing spots. Municipalities set further limits for their own waters, and the Coastal Administration (Kystverket) does so for main and secondary fairways. Local limits must be signposted.
Maximum speed
No more than 5 knots within 50 metres of people swimming or of the marker buoys at public bathing spots. Inside those buoys, motor and sailing boats may neither navigate nor anchor.
Shore, harbour, beach
Example, Bærum near Oslo: a maximum of 5 knots within 200 metres of land or islands, and 25 knots in the rest of the municipality's waters.
Fine
Intentional or negligent breaches are punishable by a fine (bot), which may be issued as a simplified penalty notice. The regulation does not set a fixed amount.
Other penalties
If the breach puts life, health, the environment or property at serious risk, the penalty is a fine or up to two years in prison, or up to one year for gross negligence.
Legal basis
Forskrift 19. april 2021 nr. 1214 om fartsgrenser på sjøen, §§ 1–5; havne- og farvannsloven § 8 (kommunale fartsforskrifter); Forskrift om fartsgrenser for fritidsfartøy i Bærum kommune[64][65]
Finland
zone limits

Applies to
Speed limits apply in canals, at opening bridges and wherever signs show them. They are set by the transport agency Traficom. Everywhere else you must choose a speed suited to the conditions.
Maximum speed
In lock and open canals and when passing opening bridges, the general limit is 9 km/h unless Traficom decides otherwise. Signs give the limit in km/h; knots appear only on an additional plate.
Fine
Exceeding a speed limit by no more than the limit itself costs a fixed traffic penalty of 120 €, imposed on the skipper.
Other penalties
If you go faster than that, more than double the limit, it becomes a water traffic offence punishable by a criminal fine (sakko). Endangering traffic is dealt with under the Criminal Code.
Legal basis
Vesiliikennelaki (782/2019) 12 §, 35 §, 80 §, 120 §, 122 § ja 124 §[66]
United Kingdom
zone limits

Applies to
Speed limits are set in byelaws by harbour authorities, national parks and other bodies for individual waters. Examples are Windermere in England and Loch Lomond in Scotland.
Maximum speed
Example, Windermere: powered craft may not exceed 10 mph (10 knots under the byelaw). In marked zones and when towing, all craft are limited to 6 mph (6 knots).
Shore, harbour, beach
Example, Loch Lomond: 90 km/h maximum on the whole loch; powered craft are limited to 11 km/h and may not plane in zones such as the 150-metre strip along the shores. Bays such as Luss or Balloch have a 6 km/h limit.
Fine
On Windermere and Loch Lomond, a summary conviction can bring a fine of up to level 2 on the standard scale, which is up to £500.
Legal basis
Windermere Navigation Byelaws 2008, byelaws 12 and 27 (Countryside Act 1968, s. 13); Loch Lomond Byelaws 2023, byelaw 3.6 and Penalties; Criminal Justice Act 1982, s. 37[67][68][69][70]
Poland
zone limits

Applies to
The inland navigation offices set speed limits for individual waterways and lakes. One example is the order covering northern Poland, including Masuria, Warmia, Gdańsk, Bydgoszcz and Warsaw. Signs take precedence.
Maximum speed
Example: on the lakes of the Iława area and nearby, the limit for unladen craft is 15 km/h, and 8 km/h on the Elbląg Canal and Lake Drużno. On some lakes, such as Jeziorak, this limit does not apply.
Shore, harbour, beach
Under power you may not come closer than 50 metres to the shore, jetties, boat hire points, bathing areas or swimmers, except to approach or leave on the shortest route at minimum steerage speed.
Fine
Breaches of the traffic rules on inland waterways are petty offences punishable by a fine (grzywna).
Legal basis
Zarządzenie nr 7/2024 Dyrektora Urzędu Żeglugi Śródlądowej w Bydgoszczy z dnia 4 czerwca 2024 r. (Dz. Urz. Woj. Warmińsko-Mazurskiego poz. 3162), § 7, § 9 ust. 1 i załącznik; ustawa z dnia 21 grudnia 2000 r. o żegludze śródlądowej, art. 14 ust. 1 i art. 62[71][72]
Czech Republic
zone limits

Applies to
Nationwide limits apply close to the bank, in canals and on reservoirs. Signs or specific rules may set different values.
Maximum speed
In canals the limit is 5 km/h for laden vessels and 10 km/h for all others. Small motorboats without a speed gauge may only travel at displacement speed in the shore zones, so no planing.
Shore, harbour, beach
On waterways, a maximum of 10 km/h within 25 metres of the bank. On reservoirs and other large waters, 10 km/h within 50 metres of the shore or of marked swimming areas.
Legal basis
Vyhláška č. 67/2015 Sb., o pravidlech plavebního provozu, § 7[73]
Latvia
zone limits

Applies to
On inland waters, fixed limits apply in certain areas around Riga and wherever signs show a limit in km/h. Near public bathing places, only slow speed is allowed.
Maximum speed
Lielupe–Buļļupe and Vecmīlgrāvis 18 km/h (10 knots); Daugava–Buļļupe and Ķīšezers–Juglas ezers–Lielais Baltezers 14 km/h (8 knots); Lielais and Mazais Baltezers 9 km/h (5 knots); the Daugava between the Vanšu and railway bridges 14 km/h.
Shore, harbour, beach
It is forbidden to go faster than minimum speed near public bathing places and to endanger swimmers.
Legal basis
Ministru kabineta 2016. gada 9. februāra noteikumi Nr. 92 "Noteikumi par kuģošanas līdzekļu satiksmi iekšējos ūdeņos", 21.7., 21.8. un 36. punkts[74]
United States
zone limits

Applies to
Federal law sets no fixed speed limit, only safe speed under Rule 6 of the Inland Navigation Rules. Fixed limits are set by the individual states and local authorities, for example near shore, off bathing beaches or in manatee zones.
Maximum speed
Federal: safe speed, no figure. Examples: New York max. 5 mph within 100 ft of the shore, a dock, raft or anchored boat. California max. 5 mph within 100 ft of swimmers and 200 ft of bathing beaches, swimming floats and landings in use. Florida: idle-speed and manatee zones as signed.
Shore, harbour, beach
New York: 5 mph within 100 ft of the shore (except when a water skier takes off or lands, and in authorised races). California: 5 mph within 100 ft of bathers and 200 ft of a bathing beach or diving platform.
Fine
New York: first offence USD 100 to 250 or up to 7 days in jail; second within 24 months USD 250 to 500 or up to 15 days; third and later USD 500 to 1,000 or up to 30 days. Florida: USD 100 civil penalty for breaching speed or restricted zones, up to USD 500 if taken to court.
Other penalties
Florida: failing to pay within 30 days adds court costs of up to USD 20. In New York the breach counts as a violation offence and a short jail term is possible.
Legal basis
33 CFR 83.06 (Inland Navigation Rules, Rule 6); N.Y. Navigation Law § 45 Abs. 2, § 73-c Abs. 2; Cal. Harbors and Navigation Code § 655.2; Fla. Stat. § 327.73 Abs. 1 lit. k, Abs. 5, Abs. 9; § 379.2431 Abs. 2; § 327.46[75][76][77][78][79]
Puerto Rico
zone limits

Applies to
Puerto Rico has its own boating act, administered by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA). A fixed limit applies in marinas and anchorages; bathing zones are closed to boats.
Maximum speed
In marinas and anchorage areas a maximum of 5 mph, and slow enough not to create a wake.
Shore, harbour, beach
Boats, jet skis and motor vehicles may not operate or anchor in designated bathing zones or protected natural areas. These zones are marked with buoys.
Fine
The department sets fines by regulation, capped at USD 5,000 per incident.
Other penalties
If the breach causes an accident with injury or damage to property, it becomes a criminal misdemeanour. Unpaid fines block transfer and renewal of the boat registration.
Legal basis
Ley Núm. 430-2000, Ley de Navegación y Seguridad Acuática de Puerto Rico, según enmendada (Rev. 28.08.2026), Art. 7 inciso 1 y 8(a)(2); Art. 10; Art. 11[80]
Canada
zone limits

Applies to
Speed limits are federal, under the Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations. A shoreline limit applies across Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, on rivers and lakes in British Columbia and Nova Scotia, and on Bras d'Or Lake. Further limits apply to individually listed waters.
Maximum speed
Power-driven and electric boats max. 10 km/h within 30 m of the shore in the waters named. Individually listed lakes and rivers have their own signed maximum speeds.
Shore, harbour, beach
The 30 m rule does not apply when towing a water skier on a course straight out from the shore, nor on rivers under 100 m wide, in canals or in buoyed channels.
Fine
Fine of CAD 200 for speeding within the 30 m zone and CAD 200 for exceeding a posted limit. Holding an event with speeding in limited waters without a permit: CAD 500.
Legal basis
Vessel Operation Restriction Regulations (SOR/2008-120), s. 2(5), 2(7), 2(8), 2(9); Contraventions Regulations (SOR/96-313), Schedule I.1, Part I.2, items 5, 7, 11.3[81][82]
Mexico
zone limits

Applies to
A federal limit applies to small leisure and sports boats in ports and inland waters. The local harbour master (Capitanía de Puerto) may set different values. Commercial nautical tours have their own rules.
Maximum speed
Max. 25 knots; reduce to 4 knots or no-wake speed when approaching a berth or anchorage. Commercial nautical tourism:4 knots leaving and returning, 25 knots in open water, with a speed limiter fitted.
Shore, harbour, beach
Commercial operators on beaches need a buoyed entry and exit channel at least 10 m wide and 50 m long, which must not cut into bathing areas.
Legal basis
Reglamento de la Ley de Navegación y Comercio Marítimos (DOF 04.03.2015), Art. 620, 642, 643[83]
Uruguay
zone limits

Applies to
Speed limits apply in harbour basins, access channels and the port of Montevideo. On beaches the Naval Prefecture sets minimum distances; jet skis have their own schedule of fines.
Maximum speed
Harbour basins: max. 4 miles per hour. Port access channels: 8. Montevideo access channel and bay: 8. Montevideo outer harbour: 6.
Shore, harbour, beach
Boats must keep at least 50 m from the bathing limit line and may not anchor closer; water-ski towing only from 100 m. The authority sets the minimum distance from the coast for each zone.
Fine
Fines in Unidades Reajustables (UR): speeding in a harbour basin 12 UR, in an access channel 20 UR, in the Montevideo channel 10 UR, in the outer harbour 20 UR. Jet ski speeding: 15 UR; outside the permitted zone or too close to the coast: 20 UR.
Other penalties
Repeat offences, multiple breaches or serious cases can raise the fine up to the statutory ceiling.
Legal basis
Decreto N° 100/991 (Reglamento de uso de espacios acuáticos costeros y portuarios), Art. 3, 18, 19 a), 97, 98, 123, 124; Decreto N° 69/994, Art. 124 y 138 F, G[84][85]
Colombia
zone limits

Applies to
The maritime authority DIMAR regulates leisure boating and water sports nationwide. A fixed speed applies in beach entry and exit zones; harbour masters designate the water-sports areas.
Maximum speed
Motor craft and jet skis max. 3 knots in embarkation and landing zones and on the way from storage to the permitted area.
Shore, harbour, beach
Approaching bathing zones is prohibited except in emergencies. Motor water-sports areas must be at least half a nautical mile from bathing areas; jet skis may go no more than 1 nautical mile offshore.
Fine
Breaches count as violations of merchant shipping rules and are sanctioned under Article 80 of Decree-Law 2324 of 1984.
Legal basis
Resolución 0733-2025 MD-DIMAR-GRUCOG (26.06.2025), REMAC 4 Título 5, Art. 4.2.5.1.11, 4.2.5.1.17; Art. 2 (Infracciones); Decreto Ley 2324 de 1984, Art. 80[86]
The Bahamas
zone limits

Applies to
The Port Department of the Ministry of Energy and Transport regulates boating. It states a fixed limit for Nassau Harbour and a distance rule for jet skis.
Maximum speed
Nassau Harbour: max. 5 knots, no wake.
Shore, harbour, beach
Jet skis must stay more than 200 ft from the shoreline, except in the authorised channels for entering and leaving the beach.[87]
Australia
zone limits

Applies to
Each Australian state sets its own speed rules on the water; there is no national limit. Examples: New South Wales (Transport for NSW), Queensland (Maritime Safety Queensland), Victoria (Safe Transport Victoria) and Western Australia (Department of Transport).
Maximum speed
There is no general top speed. Fixed limits apply only where set by sign or notice, for example 6, 30 or 40 knots in Queensland. Elsewhere a safe speed is required.
Shore, harbour, beach
Queensland: max. 6 knots within 30 m of swimmers, anchored boats, jetties and ramps; jet skis within 60 m, shore included. NSW: at 6 knots or more keep 30 m from vessels, structures and shore. Victoria: 5 knots within 200 m of the coastal shore. WA: 8 knots within 50 m of the bank, among others.
Fine
NSW (penalty notice): exceeding a sign by under 10 knots AUD 100, PWC AUD 250; by over 10 knots AUD 250, PWC AUD 500; breaching distance-off rules AUD 100, PWC AUD 250. Queensland: breaching the 6-knot rules carries up to 200 penalty units.
Other penalties
In NSW, reckless or dangerous operation can lead to the vessel being impounded for three months; a repeat offence within five years may lead to forfeiture. Dangerous operation is dealt with by court attendance notice only.
Legal basis
QLD: Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulation 2016, ss 81, 82 (max. 200 penalty units); NSW: Marine Safety Act 1998 and Marine Safety Regulation 2016 (penalty notices); VIC: Marine Safety Act 2010; WA: speed limits published by the Department of Transport[88][89][90][91][92][93]
New Zealand
zone limits

Applies to
Maritime Rules Part 91, administered by Maritime New Zealand, applies nationwide. Regional councils and their harbourmasters can add zones and fines through navigation bylaws, for instance Auckland's Navigation Bylaw 2021.
Maximum speed
Outside the protected zones there is no fixed top speed; you must keep a safe speed for traffic, weather and visibility.
Shore, harbour, beach
A maximum of 5 knots within 200 m of the shore, any structure or a vessel flying a dive flag, and within 50 m of another vessel or a swimmer. The same applies when anyone on board has part of their body outside the rails or over the edge.
Fine
Breaching the 5-knot rule (rule 91.6(1)): infringement fee NZD 200, maximum fine NZD 2,000. Auckland example: exceeding 5 knots in a specified area costs NZD 200.
Legal basis
Maritime Rules Part 91, rule 91.6; Maritime (Offences) Regulations 1998, Schedule 1; Maritime Transport (Infringement Fees for Offences—Auckland Council Navigation Bylaw 2021) Regulations 2021, Schedule 1 (cl 8(1))[94][95][96]
Hong Kong
zone limits

Applies to
The Marine Department sets maximum speeds for defined areas: harbour zones A, B and C, typhoon shelters and speed-restricted bays used by pleasure craft.
Maximum speed
In zones A, B and C, maximum speeds of between 8 and 15 knots apply, depending on the vessel's length.
Shore, harbour, beach
Inside and at the entrance to typhoon shelters, a maximum of 5 knots. The speed-restricted bays also have a 5-knot limit, usually from 8am to midnight at weekends, on public holidays and in the summer season; some areas all year round.
Fine
Speeding in a speed-restricted zone: up to HKD 10,000. In zones A, B or C: up to HKD 10,000 and six months' imprisonment. In a typhoon shelter: up to HKD 5,000. The coxswain is liable.
Legal basis
Shipping and Port Control Regulations (Cap. 313A); Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) (General) Regulation (Cap. 548F)[97]
Singapore
zone limits

Applies to
Within the port of Singapore, speed is regulated by the Maritime and Port Authority (MPA). Fixed limits apply on rivers, in the Cruise Bay and in the East Johor Strait; the Port Master may impose further restrictions.
Maximum speed
Rivers: max. 5 knots. Cruise Bay: 6 knots. East Johor Strait: 12 knots. Elsewhere a safe speed is required, and reckless or nuisance navigation is prohibited.
Fine
A fine of up to SGD 5,000, plus up to SGD 1,000 for each day a continuing offence goes on.
Legal basis
Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations, reg. 33(1), (2) and reg. 62; penalty reg. 78(1)[98]
South Korea
zone limits

Applies to
Leisure boats and jet skis are covered nationwide by the Water Leisure Safety Act and its Enforcement Decree. The coast guard and local authorities can add danger zones and operating rules.
Shore, harbour, beach
A maximum of 10 knots within 20 m of diving platforms, moorings and bridges, and in designated danger zones. Boats with wave-making devices may only run within 150 m of moorings without creating a wave and at no more than 5 knots.
Fine
Breaching the operating rules: an administrative fine of KRW 200,000 for a first offence, KRW 300,000 for a second and KRW 500,000 from the third.
Legal basis
수상레저안전법 제21조, 제64조 제2항 제3호; 수상레저안전법 시행령 제20조 별표 11, 제39조 별표 14[99][100]
French Polynesia
zone limits

Applies to
The lagoons are covered by French Polynesia's own rules. Bathing zones of up to 300 m from the beach are set by the mayor and must be marked.
Shore, harbour, beach
Below 5 knots within 70 m of the shore, of fixed or mobile fishing installations and of harbour works such as breakwaters, quays, pontoons and markers. Further out, you must keep full control and avoid wash that could damage moored boats.
Fine
Breaches are punished as a fifth-class petty offence (contravention de 5e classe), in addition to any penalties under the merchant navy disciplinary and penal code.
Legal basis
Délibération n° 78-124 du 27 juillet 1978 portant réglementation de la circulation dans les lagons de la Polynésie française, art. 2 et art. 5 (modifiée par Délibération n° 92-19 AT du 20/02/1992); CGCT art. L.2213-23[101][102]
United Arab Emirates (Dubai)
zone limits

Applies to
Only Dubai is covered here. The Dubai Maritime Authority sets the speed limit for each waterway and zone, signposted on site. The other emirates have their own rules.
Maximum speed
According to the authority's boating safety guide: 5 knots in Dubai's ports, 7 knots in Khor Dubai and Mamzar and in passages up to 600 m wide. Local signs take precedence.
Shore, harbour, beach
7 knots when entering the 300 m beach zone in an emergency, and when passing within 50 m of moorings and diving platforms.
Other penalties
The authority may also suspend or cancel the operator's permit or the vessel's licence and impound the boat.
Legal basis
Executive Council Resolution No. (11) of 2013 (Implementing Bylaw of Law No. (11) of 2010 Concerning the Licensing of Vessels in the Emirate of Dubai), Art. 46 and Schedule (2) No. 18; Administrative Resolution No. (2) of 2021, Art. 10[103][104][105]

This overview is not legal advice. Local signs and notices from the authorities also apply.

What speeding costs in Germany

Germany's official catalogue of fines goes by kilometres per hour: up to 3 km/h over the limit costs a 35 euro caution fee or a 100 euro fine, up to 6 km/h 55 or 150 euros.[10]

Above 6 km/h the standard fine is 225 euros on inland waterways and 175 to 500 euros on maritime waterways.[10]

Repeat offenders may be treated as unreliable, and the authority can then suspend their German recreational boating licence.[13]

Too fast is not only above the limit

Even below the maximum speed you must adjust your speed so that wash and suction do not endanger anyone, such as rowing boats, jetties or swimmers.[1]

Frequently asked questions about boat speed limits

Is there a general speed limit for boats in Germany?

No. Limits are set waterway by waterway: 10 km/h on many canals in Berlin and Brandenburg, 30 km/h on the Moselle and 40 km/h on Lake Constance, for example.

How fast may I go near the shore?

It depends on the country. On the German coast the limit is 8 km/h within 500 m of bathing areas outside the fairway, on French coasts 5 knots within 300 m, and on Austrian lakes 10 km/h within 200 m. The map shows each country with its source.

Does speed over ground or through the water count?

In Germany's Kiel Canal and the Wadden Sea National Park the rules explicitly refer to speed over ground, which is what your GPS shows.

Boat insurance from Germany Boating fines in Germany Boat registration worldwide

All sources (105)

Research as of 8 November 2026. A newer version may apply locally.