A regulation from the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (www.trpa.org) that many boat operators aren’t aware of is that they must stay at least 600’ from the shoreline and go no more than 5 mph within 600’ of the shoreline or in buoy fields. This also applies for personal watercraft and other motorized craft.
The law is designed to provide kayakers, swimmers and others in non-motorized craft a safe area to enjoy the lake and to protect shoreline erosion from excessive wakes.
Jay Schmidt of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary says that many people don’t recognize the law, but will see more enforcement this summer.
While there is no speed limit on Lake Tahoe, the 5 mph speed is enforcement in buoy fields/marinas and within 600’ of shoreline.
As well, boaters must obey any posted speed limits (on buoys) in other areas, such as the 5 mph limit in Emerald Bay.
