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Louisiana Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: wlf.louisiana.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Louisiana

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

ArkansasConditional
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.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: agfc.com · Full Arkansas 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 →
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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