← Maryland boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Maryland Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Maryland requires all children under age 13 to wear a USCG-approved PFD while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

Boating rules change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: dnr.maryland.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Maryland

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

DelawareConditional
Delaware mandates that all children 12 and under wear a life jacket while underway; all vessels must carry a PFD for each person aboard.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
District of ColumbiaConditional
DC follows the federal rule: children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket when a recreational vessel is underway, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
PennsylvaniaConditional
Pennsylvania requires all children 12 and younger to wear a USCG-approved life jacket while underway on any boat 20 feet or less and on all canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Separately, from November 1 through April 30, every person on board a canoe, kayak, paddleboard or any boat less than 16 feet in length must wear a life jacket.
Verified Sep 29, 2026 · Source: pa.gov · Full Pennsylvania rule →
VirginiaConditional
On federal waters (most Virginia waters) any child under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia bars operating a recreational vessel underway with a child under 13 aboard unless the child wears an approved PFD or is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Maryland boating rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.