Texas PFD Requirements

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

• All Personal Flotation Devices (life jackets) must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and of the appropriate size for the intended user.
• All children under 13 years of age in motorboats under 26 feet in length must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway. Underway means not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground.
• All vessels, including canoes and kayaks, must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V wearable life jacket for each person on board. A Type V life jacket is acceptable only if used in accordance with the specific instructions on the label of the device.
• Vessels 16 feet and longer, excluding canoes and kayaks, are required to be equipped with one Type IV throwable life jacket in addition to the Type I, II, III, or V life jacket required for each person on board.
• Inflatable life jackets are authorized only when used in accordance with requirements as presented on U.S. Coast Guard approval labels. Inflatable life jackets are not approved for use on personal watercraft, waterskiing, or other high speed activity or for persons less than 16 years of age for any reason.