← Oklahoma boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Oklahoma Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: digitalprairie.ok.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Oklahoma

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 →
ColoradoConditional
Colorado requires children 12 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket whenever the vessel is on the water, except when in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: cpw.state.co.us · Full Colorado rule →
KansasConditional
Kansas requires children age 12 and younger to wear a properly-fitting life jacket while on the boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ksoutdoors.com · Full Kansas 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 →
New MexicoConditional
In New Mexico, children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: emnrd.nm.gov · Full New Mexico 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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