← Maine boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Maine Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: Effective Jan 1, 2026, Maine requires any child under 13 (including the operator) to wear a USCG-approved PFD while a recreational watercraft is underway, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: legislature.maine.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Maine

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

New HampshireConditional
New Hampshire requires all children 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket when being transported in a boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nhsp.dos.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →

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