Is "Speeding" the new "Safety Inspection?"

[Kamper]

(This thread is inspired by this post, which I did not want to thread-jack http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ead.php?t=8180 )

Once apon a time... The NHMP thought it had the authority to stop a boat anytime, anywhere, without other probable cause, to inspect it for compliance with safety equipment regulations. During this "inspection" they might discover other violations that could result in prosecution eg: DUI, documentation discrepancies, illegal substances, to name just a few. The NH Supreme court has ruled that is not true and these checks are no longer officially practiced by the NHMP unless they have stopped a boat for other cause.

In some instances the NHMP is acting as an agent of the USCG and under that authority has more latitude but let's set that aside since it doesn't apply on the lake.

On the referenced thread, member "Winnipesaukee" tells of a non-radar stop for speeding where he was ultimately given a verbal warning and let go.

I'm wonderring if "speeding" was just an excuse for what as actually a random stop to check for other violations? Has anyone else been stopped under this (possible) pretext and then been delayed by a vessel inspection or other reason before being cut loose or cited for something un-related?

If you have an opinion about this subject I'd welcome reading it but please don't re-open the debate on the speed law itself. The Moderator has closed that topic.