Motorboat Rules of the Road

Be safe and courteous on the lake with these must-know right-of-way rules.

When you're out enjoying the water with a rental from Northern Lakes Boat Company, it’s important to know how to safely navigate when you encounter other boats. Just like cars on the road, boats follow a set of navigation rules—often called the “Rules of the Road.”

These rules help prevent collisions and keep everyone safe, especially on busy lake days. In this post, we’ll walk through a few common daylight scenarios involving small motorboats, so you know when to stand on (hold your course) and when to give way (yield).

Quick Terminology Refresher

• Stand-on vessel: Holds its course and speed.

• Give-way vessel: Must slow down, stop, or alter course to avoid a collision.

Note: In all situations, both boats are legally responsible to avoid a collision—so stay alert and cautious at all times.

Scenario 1: Head-On Approach

Situation: Two motorboats are heading directly toward each other, bow to bow.

What to do: Both boats should give way. Steer to your right (starboard) to pass port-to-port (left sides facing each other), just like you would in a car.

Tip: Signal your intentions early with small course changes so the other boater knows what you're doing.

Scenario 2: Overtaking Another Boat

Situation: You're coming up behind another boat traveling in the same direction.

What to do: The overtaking boat is always the give-way vessel, regardless of which side you pass on.

• Pass safely, at a slow speed.

• Give the other boat plenty of room, especially near shorelines or docks.

Tip: Avoid large wakes when overtaking and never pass between a boat and the shore—it’s dangerous and may violate local laws.

Scenario 3: Crossing Paths

Situation: Two motorboats are on crossing paths, like a 4-way intersection on water.

What to do: The boat that has the other on its right (starboard) side is the give-way vessel.

• If the other boat is coming from your right, you give way.

• The boat on your starboard side is the stand-on vessel.

Think of it like a yield sign: yield to the boat on your right.

Bonus Tips for Northern Lakes Boaters

• Stay right in channels and narrow passages.

• Keep a sharp lookout—especially near marinas, docks, and swimming areas.

• Reduce speed near no-wake zones and be courteous around anglers, paddlers, and swimmers. Always consider the effects of your wake.

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Stay Safe, Be Smart

At Northern Lakes Boat Company, we want your boating day to be fun and stress-free. Learning these basic right-of-way rules can help you navigate confidently and avoid uncomfortable or dangerous close calls.

When in doubt, slow down.

Happy boating from all of us at Northern Lakes Boat Company!