Virginia law requires law enforcement officers to have reasonable suspicion before stopping, boarding, or inspecting noncommercial vessels on navigable waters. Exceptions include inspections by conservation police and marine police for licenses and safety checks. The law aims to protect vessel owners from unwarranted searches while allowing certain authorized inspections.
They can only stop a vessel if they have reasonable suspicion that a law or regulation has been violated.
Yes, conservation police and Virginia Marine Police can conduct inspections for licenses and safety checks without reasonable suspicion.
No, this law specifically applies to noncommercial vessels on navigable waters.
Yes, lawful boating safety checkpoints can be conducted by conservation and marine police in accordance with established policies.