Penalties — Us Code Code § 4106

Us Code Code § 4106 — Penalties. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 4106. Penalties

If a vessel to which this chapter applies is operated in violation of this chapter or a regulation prescribed under this chapter, the owner, charterer, managing operator, agent, master, and individual in charge are each liable to the United States Government for a civil penalty of not more than $5,000. The vessel also is liable in rem for the penalty.

(Pub. L. 98–89, Aug. 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 529; Pub. L. 100–540, §3, Oct. 28, 1988, 102 Stat. 2719.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised sectionSource section (U.S. Code)
4106 46:526o

Section 4106 provides a civil penalty of $100 for a violation of this chapter or a regulation under this chapter. The vessel also is liable in rem.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

1988—Pub. L. 100–540 substituted "not more than $5,000" for "$100".

CHAPTER 43—RECREATIONAL VESSELS

Sec.
4301.
Application.
4302.
Regulations.
4303.
Inspection and testing.
4304.
Importation of nonconforming vessels and equipment.
4305.
Exemptions and equivalents.
4306.
Federal preemption.
4307.
Prohibited acts.
4308.
Termination of unsafe operation.
4309.
Investigation and reporting.
4310.
Repair and replacement of defects.
4311.
Penalties and injunctions.
4312.
Engine cut-off switches.

        

Historical and Revision Notes

Chapter 43 contains the laws applicable to recreational vessels, which originated primarily with the enactment of the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 (Public Law 92–75, 85 Stat. 213). That Act embraced a number of activities, but the portion restated in this chapter deals with the establishment of national construction and performance standards for recreational vessels and their associated equipment, the necessary flexible regulatory authority for inspection and testing, Federal preemption, certain necessary prohibited acts, enforcement authority, investigation and reporting requirements, procedures for repair and defect notification, and attendant penalties and injunctive relief. These laws are a direct response to the dramatic increase in the number of recreational boats and the Congressional recognition of the maritime safety problems that recreational boating has imposed upon our more than 25 million miles of waterways.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2021—Pub. L. 116–283, div. G, title LVXXXIII [LXXXIII], §8318(b), Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4700, substituted "Exemptions and equivalents" for "Exemptions" in item 4305.

2018—Pub. L. 115–282, title V, §503(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4271, added item 4312.

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 4106 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 4106. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

Verify the text

Statute text is transcribed from the official United States Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

Common questions

What is the source of United States Code § 4106?

The text above is transcribed from the United States Code, the codified statutes of Us Code. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does United States Code § 4106 address?

It addresses "Penalties". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is United States Code § 4106 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Us Code source before relying on this text.

Can this page be used as legal advice?

No. This is a reference transcription for research. Applying Us Code law to your facts requires a licensed Us Code attorney who can review the specifics.