Boating regulations

Anyone who operates a boat independently must, of course, be well acquainted with the prevailing rules. On Lake Garda, boats under 40 HP and up to a length of 24 meters may be rented and driven without a license. From 40 HP upwards, the Sportbootführerschein Binnen (inland boating license) is required.

It is particularly important to know who has right of way: as a general unwritten rule among boating enthusiasts, anything larger than your own vessel has priority, as do fishing boats, which often follow their own course without paying much attention to right-of-way rules. Sailboats have priority over motorboats, and rowboats as well as ferries always have right of way.

Here is a brief overview of the most important navigation rules:

• On Lake Garda, the maximum speed is 20 knots during the day and 5 knots at night. Naturally, speeds must always be adapted to traffic density, weather conditions, visibility, and stopping distance in order to avoid hazards.

• Motorboats must generally maintain a safety distance of 300 meters from the shore, though in some parts of the lake this is reduced to 150 meters.

• Boats wishing to dock or depart must approach or leave the shore at a 90-degree angle.

• The maximum speed near the shore must not exceed 3 knots.

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Since many motorboats did not comply with maximum speed limits this past summer, endangering swimmers and water sports enthusiasts, the Guardia Costiera di Salò (coast guard of Salò) rigorously monitored speeds near the coast using laser devices and immediately penalized violations.