(a) Notwithstanding § 91.119, and except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate an airplane under VFR at less than—

1. (1) One thousand feet above the surface, or 1,000 feet from any mountain, hill, or other obstruction to flight, for day operations; and
2. (2) The altitudes prescribed in § 91.177, for night operations.

(b) This section does not apply—

1. (1) During takeoff or landing;
2. (2) When a different altitude is authorized by a waiver to this section under subpart J of this part; or
3. (3) When a flight is conducted under the special VFR weather minimums of § 91.157 with an appropriate clearance from ATC.