Minimum Requirements for Kayaking in Texas
PFD (aka Lifevest) Requirements
- You must have a Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on the kayak [TWSA Title 4 § 31.066(a)][CFR Title 33 § 175.15]
- Children under the age of 13 must always wear their PFD [TWSA Title 4 § 31.066(b)][CFR Title 33 § 175.15(c)]
- Type V PFDs must be used in accordance with the manufacturer's label to be legal [CFR Title 33 § 175.17(a)]
- Inflatable PFDs may only be worn by adults over the age of 16 and weighing more than 80lbs [CFR Title 46 § 160.076]
- All PFDs must be in good, serviceable condition without any cuts, tears, rotten material, etc [CFR Title 33 § 175.23]
- All PFDs must fit each person properly [CFR Title 33 § 175.21]
- Each PFD must be readily accessible to each person [CFR Title 33 § 175.19]
Distress Signaling Devices - Audible & Visual
- On inland waters you are not required to have an audible signaling device [TWSA Title 4 § 31.073(a)]
- On coastal waters you must have an audible signaling device capable of making efficient sound [USC Title 33 Chapter 34 § 2033(b)]
- You are not required to have visual distress signaling devices on inland waters [TWSA Title 4 § 31.073(a)][CFR Title 33 § 175.5]
- You are required to have USCG approved visual distress signaling devices suitable for night use when kayaking between sunset and sunrise on coastal waters [CFR Title 33 § 175.115]
- Visual distress signaling devices must be readily accessible [CFR Title 33 § 175.120]
- Visual distress signaling devices must be in serviceable condition [CFR Title 33 § 175.125]
Light Requirements
- You must exhibit at least one bright light, lantern or flashlight visible all around the horizon from sunset to sunrise in all weather [TWSA Title 4 § 31.064]
- All-around white lights must be visible for 2 miles [USC Title 33 Chapter 34 § 2022(c)]
Registration and Numbering
- Kayaks, regardless of length, do not have to be registered [TWSA Title 4 § 31.022(c)]
- Kayaks, 14 feet or longer, equipped as a sailboat have to be registered and numbered [TWSA Title 4 § 31.022(c)]
- Kayaks, regardless of length, equipped with a motor (electric or gas) have to be registered and numbered [TWSA Title 4 § 31.021(a)]
- If you register and number your kayak know that there are more minimum requirements that apply than listed above