Special thanks to Josh Neumeyer for compiling all of this info. Josh is a seasoned kayak angler on both fresh and salt water. He has worked diligently to compile a succinct and easy to read list. Please read through these, know them and obey them. It could save your life or someone else’s.
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