Vessel Speed
San Diego Municipal Code § 63.20.15
in effect§63.20.15 Vessel Speed
It is unlawful for any person in command of any vessel to use it or permit it to be used at a speed in excess of five (5) miles per hour within one thousand (1,000) feet of the mean high tide line of the Pacific Ocean adjacent to the shoreline on the City of San Diego, with the following exceptions:
(a) Vessels using a marked channel or boat launch area, designated by the City, the State, or the Federal Government, may travel at the speed designated for that area.
(b) Persons licensed by the State of California for commercial fishing may travel within one thousand (1,000) feet of shore at speeds in excess of five (5) miles per hour while actively engaged in commercial fishing, provided, however, said persons must use extraordinary care to avoid injury to persons or property when operating a vessel at such speed in that area.
(c) Surfboards with sails attached, commonly known as sailboards, may exceed five (5) miles per hour while using areas designated for surfing, pursuant to the relevant sections of the San Diego Municipal Code.
(d) Employees of governmental agencies are exempt from this Section, 63.20.15, while acting in the course of their official duties.
(e) This Section, 63.20.15, shall not apply to Mission Bay or San Diego Bay.
(Amended 5–31–1994 by O–18073 N.S.)
Source: City of San Diego Office of the City Clerk, San Diego Municipal Code and City Charter (docs.sandiego.gov PDFs)URL: https://docs.sandiego.gov/municode/MuniCodeChapter06/Ch06Art03Division00.pdf#page=14Fetched: 10/28/2026