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Texas Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: On Texas recreational vessels under 26 ft when underway, all children under 13 must wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: tpwd.texas.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Texas

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 →
LouisianaConditional
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.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wlf.louisiana.gov · Full Louisiana 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 →
OklahomaConditional
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.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: digitalprairie.ok.gov · Full Oklahoma rule →

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