← Vermont boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Vermont Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: In Vermont, anyone under 12 must wear a personal flotation device at all times while aboard a boat.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: vsp.vermont.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Vermont

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

MassachusettsConditional
Massachusetts requires PFDs be worn by youth under 12 years of age (as well as PWC users, water skiers, and canoeists/kayakers Sept 15-May 15).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
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 →
New YorkConditional
In New York, any youth under 12 on a boat 65 feet or less in length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (does not apply if in a fully enclosed cabin). Separately, from November 1 through May 1, anyone underway in a boat less than 21 feet in length, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats and motorboats, must wear a securely fastened life jacket; commercial vessels are exempt.
Verified Sep 29, 2026 · Source: parks.ny.gov · Full New York rule →

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