33 CFR § 175.140 - Prohibited use.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t33/s175.140"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "33 CFR § 175.140 - Prohibited use."
title_number: 33
title_name: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
section_number: "175.140"
section_name: "Prohibited use."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "S"
subchapter_name: "BOATING SAFETY"
part_number: "175"
part_name: "EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 4302; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3."
regulatory_source: "CGD 72-120R, 38 FR 8115, Mar. 28, 1973, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "175"
---


# 175.140 Prohibited use.

No person in a boat shall display a visual distress signal on waters to which this subpart applies under any circumstance except a situation where assistance is needed because of immediate or potential danger to the persons on board.