§ 33-5-31 — Local Regulation

(a)(1) This chapter, rules adopted pursuant thereto, and other general laws of this state shall govern the operation, equipment, numbering and all other matters relating to the operation of a vessel on the waters of this state.
(2) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to prevent the adoption of any ordinance or local law relating to operation of vessels the provisions of which are identical to the provisions of this chapter or rules adopted 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 this article or rule issued thereunder.
(b)(1) Any subdivision of this state, after public notice, may make formal application to the secretary for special rules for the operation of vessels on any waters within its territorial limits and shall set forth in the application the reasons the special rules are necessary or appropriate.
(2) The public notice shall be effected by the subdivision publishing a copy of the proposed public rules one time per week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation within the area that the subdivision is located.
(c) The secretary may adopt special rules and regulating the operation of vessels on any waters within the territorial limits of any subdivision of this state.

Legislative History

(Acts 1959, No. 576, p. 1442, §26; Act 2023-363, §1.)