The Texas Boating Regulations Guide: What Are the Laws? 

With thousands of reservoirs, over 15 major rivers, and the entire Gulf Coast, Texas is one of the best states to own a boat. But before you go out on the water, there are a number of Texas boating laws to be aware of. 

From life jacket rules to Personal Watercraft (PWC) regulations, this guide covers everything you need to know about boating in Texas. 

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Texas Boating Laws

Here’s what you need to know about Texas boating laws before hitting the water:

1. You need a Boater Education Card if you were born on or after September 1, 1993. If you were born before that day, you’re exempt from taking the course, but you still have to follow every other law on the water. 
2. Life jackets aren’t optional. Every vessel must carry a USCG-approved life jacket for each person on board. Kids under 13 must wear their life jackets while the boat is underway. 
3. No drinking and boating. A BUI is treated just like a DUI. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher will earn you some jail time, fines up to $10,000, and the loss of your driver’s license. If you’re drinking, it’s better to have someone else operate the boat. 
4. Per Texas boating regulations, you must operate “in a safe and prudent manner at all times.” If you’re in a marked no-wake zone near docks, marinas, or swimming areas, you have to idle your boat. But even when out of the no-wake zone, you are responsible for your wake until it flattens out. If your wake causes injury or damage, you are liable. 
5. From sunset to sunrise, every vessel needs proper navigation lights. Kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards are not exempt. They need a single, white light that’s visible from 360 degrees. 
6. Speed limits depend on where you are. There’s no universal speed limit in Texas, but you do need to limit your speed when within 50 feet of another vessel, a person in the water, a dock, pier, or buoy. This prevents the dangerous wash that can knock over a skier or capsize a small boat.  
7. If your boat has a motor (including an electric trolling motor), it needs to be titled and registered with Texas Parks and Wildlife. Registration numbers must be displayed on both sides of the bow, with the registration sticker on the port side. You may not cover the numbers with your boat name, graphics, or a registration decal from another state. An expired registration will get you a ticket. 

What Safety Equipment Is Required on a Boat in Texas?

While safety equipment depends slightly on the size, most motorized boats must have:

• One USCG-approved wearable life jacket per person on board. Texas life jacket rules require children under 13 to wear theirs while the boat is underway. 
• A Type IV throwable flotation device on boats that are 16 feet and longer.
• A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher.
• A sound-producing device like a horn or whistle that’s audible for at least half a mile.
• Navigation lights, used from sunset to sunrise and in reduced visibility. White for smaller boats and red/green sidelights with a white stern light for larger vessels.
• Three daytime and three nighttime flares while boating on the Gulf and in coastal waters.
• Backfire flame arrestor on gas-powered inboard engines. 
• Ventilation system for enclosed fuel compartments on boats built after 1940 

What Safety Equipment Is Required on a Jet Ski in Texas?

In Texas boating laws, personal watercraft (PWC) like Jetskis and Skidoos are treated the same as boats, but with a few extra requirements, including:

• One USCG-approved life jacket must be worn by everyone on a PWG. No exceptions for adults.
• The operator must attach the engine cut-off switch (lanyard) to themself, their clothing, or their PFD while the PWC is in motion. 
• Fire extinguishers are required if the PWC has an enclosed engine compartment or fuel tank compartment. 
• One sound-producing device, such as a whistle or horn.

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Do You Need a License to Drive a Boat in Texas?

You do not need a license to drive a boat in Texas. However, according to Texas boating license laws, those born on or after September 1, 1993, need a Boater Education Certification Card. You can take the course online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. Unlike a driver’s license, the certification never expires, but you must carry it with you (physical or digital) while operating a boat. Essentially, it’s a safety certification that shows you know how to safely operate a boat. 

Do You Need a License to Drive a Jet Ski in Texas?

The same rule applies to driving a Jet Ski in Texas. You need the Boater Education Certification Card if you were born on or after September 1, 1993. One of the main differences with PwCs is the age restrictions. Texas boating regulations allow children of any age to operate a boat with adult supervision. However, children have to be at least 13 years old to operate a PWC, even with adult supervision. 

Texas Personal Watercraft Laws

Although smaller, personal watercraft are treated similarly to boats, as they can still produce a significant wake. In addition to standard boat laws, those operating a PWC  must follow these regulations: 

• You must be at least 13 years old to operate a PWC.
• To operate a PWC, you must carry a Texas Boater Education Certification Card if you were born on or after September 1, 1993. 
• The engine cut-off switch (lanyard) must be attached to the operator’s person (life jacket, clothing, wrist, or lanyard clip) while the PWC is underway. If the operator falls off the Jetski, the engine turns off immediately. This is strictly enforced. 
• You must wear a life jacket at all times when the PWC is underway. There is no exception for adults. 
• You cannot operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise. 
• Texas personal watercraft laws prohibit: weaving through congested traffic, jumping the wake of another vessel in a reckless manner within 50 feet or less, operating the Jetski recklessly, or harassing wildlife. 
• You must maintain a no-wake speed when within 50 feet of another vessel, a person in the water, a shoreline or swim area, a moored or anchored vessel, a bridge, pier, or buoy. 
• You must register and title your PWC just like you would a motorized boat. Display the registration number on both sides of the bow, with the registration decal on the port side. 

Texas Boating Laws Conclusion

With summer coming up, Texans are taking to the water. But staying safe while boating is just as important as staying cool. Whether you’re operating a fishing boat, pontoon, or personal watercraft, following Texas boating laws is the best way to keep you and your passengers safe. 

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