← Idaho boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Idaho Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Idaho requires children 14 years of age or younger, on board vessels 19 feet or less, to wear an approved life jacket when the vessel is underway.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Idaho

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

MontanaConditional
Montana requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fwp.mt.gov · Full Montana rule →
NevadaConditional
In Nevada, passengers 13 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while any boat is underway, unless they are in an enclosed area (NRS 488.193).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ndow.org · Full Nevada rule →
OregonConditional
Oregon requires all children 12 and younger to wear a life jacket at all times while on an open deck or cockpit when a boat is underway or being towed.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: oregon.gov · Full Oregon rule →
UtahConditional
Utah requires passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a properly sized Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever a boat is in operation.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: stateparks.utah.gov · Full Utah rule →
WashingtonConditional
In Washington, children 12 and younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times when underway in a vessel less than 19 ft, unless in a fully enclosed area.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: parks.wa.gov · Full Washington rule →
WyomingConditional
In Wyoming, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway unless they are inside an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wgfd.wyo.gov · Full Wyoming rule →

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