← Arkansas boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Arkansas Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: In Arkansas, children 12 years old and younger must wear a securely fastened USCG-approved PFD at all times on any vessel, except within an enclosed cabin when not underway.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: agfc.com →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Arkansas

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

LouisianaConditional
Louisiana requires all children age 16 and younger to wear a USCG-approved wearable PFD while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet long.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wlf.louisiana.gov · Full Louisiana rule →
MississippiConditional
Mississippi requires anyone 12 years of age and younger to wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD whenever underway in a vessel under 26 feet in length.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dmr.ms.gov · Full Mississippi rule →
MissouriConditional
Missouri requires each person under age 7 aboard any watercraft on state waters to wear a USCG-approved PFD (exception for fully enclosed areas such as a houseboat/cruiser cabin).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mshp.dps.missouri.gov · Full Missouri rule →
OklahomaConditional
Oklahoma requires all children under 13 years of age to wear an approved life jacket whenever underway in a vessel less than 26 feet in length.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: digitalprairie.ok.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →
TennesseeConditional
In Tennessee, children 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD on the open deck of a recreational boat unless anchored, moored, or aground.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
TexasConditional
On Texas recreational vessels under 26 ft when underway, all children under 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tpwd.texas.gov · Full Texas rule →

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