MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2003 Regular Session
To: Conservation and Water Resources
By: Representative Ellington (By Request)
AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 59-21-89, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO AUTHORIZE THE DEPARTMENT OF MARINE RESOURCES AND ANY AGENCY IN AGREEMENT WITH THE DEPARTMENT TO ENFORCE WATER SAFETY TO PURCHASE ANY TYPE OF SPEED DETECTION EQUIPMENT FOR DETECTION OF SPEED VESSELS ON MARINE WATERS; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. Section 59-21-89, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:
59-21-89. (1) It is unlawful for any person, other than a law enforcement officer on duty, to use or display oscillating or rotating blue lights on a vessel operating on the public waters of this state. Upon the approach of an authorized law enforcement vessel operating a strobe, rotating or oscillating blue light or giving audible signal by siren or both, the operator of a vessel shall yield the right-of-way and shall stop and remain in position until the authorized law enforcement vessel has passed, except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer.
(2) The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and any agency that enters into a memorandum of agreement with the department for the purpose of enforcement of boat and water safety are authorized to purchase or use any type of speed detection equipment for detection of the speed of vessels traveling on the marine waters of this state.
(3) A person violating subsection (1) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) nor more than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00).
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2003.