So it's a Type V...so it requires being worn to count. Like I said, I've had vert detailed conversations about this and the rule is simple...as long as it's a Type II or III it counts without being warned and YES I know some Wardens probably aren't aware of it and try and in most cases probably do write tickets for it. Like others, I also keep extra normal PFDs in the boat as well but this is the law.

I wear my regular jacket and kill switch when I run the big motor but I take it off when I fish. I am getting an inflatable and going to make myself get used to wearing it all the time. I fish by myself a lot and I love my family!

I asked the Gamewarden about this years ago when I first started hearing rumors. He said � just get one of those cheap orange ones and put it back by your battery and you�ll be fine�. I�ve had 2 back there with a throw cushion ever since.

Can anyone point me to the actual law on this? (not the TPWD website). Because I can't find anything in the TPWD code or the USCG site.

Sec. 31.066. LIFE PRESERVING DEVICES. (a) A motorboat, including a motorboat carrying passengers for hire, must carry at least one wearable personal flotation device of the sort prescribed by the regulations of the commandant of the Coast Guard for each person on board, so placed as to be readily accessible.

(b) The operator of a motorboat less than 26 feet in length, while underway, shall require every passenger under 13 years of age to wear a wearable personal flotation device of the sort prescribed by the regulations of the commandant of the Coast Guard. A life belt or ring buoy does not satisfy this requirement.

(c) A person may not operate a recreational vessel 16 feet or more in length unless the vessel is equipped with:

(1) the number of wearable personal flotation devices required under Subsection (a); and

(2) additionally, at least one immediately accessible Type IV throwable flotation device of the sort prescribed by the regulations of the commandant of the Coast Guard.

(d) A person under 13 years of age on board a vessel described by Section 31.073(a) or (b) must wear a wearable personal flotation device of the sort prescribed by the commandant of the Coast Guard while the vessel is under way.

(e) An adult operator of a vessel described by Section 31.073 may not permit a person under 13 years of age to be on board the vessel while the vessel is under way if the person under 13 years of age is not wearing a wearable personal flotation device required by Subsection (d).


Acts 1975, 64th Leg., p. 1405, ch. 545, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1975. Amended by Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 543, Sec. 2, eff. June 14, 1989.

Amended by:

Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1127 (H.B. 308), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2011.

I know a guy that fishes by himself in La, and got a ticket for not having a throw cushion in his boat. He told the game wardens if I fall out who is gonna throw it to me??? Didn�t matter, $300 ticket.

Since I control wind farms I couldn't help but comment on the 'redneck' math in the beginning. It was a solid attempt at figuring the speed at blade tip. However, too many factors are involved in trying to find actual tip speed. They can range from 120 - 180 mph at tip depending on the wind speed and how well the turbine is actually yawed into the wind stream.

The last line of the paragraph is what eliminates ALL inflatable PFDs from being stand alone legs. A power boat of any kind operates at high speeds.
They are perfectly legal as as a stand alone PfD in a kayak, canoe or manually powered boat.
Also all of the posts on here arguing that the law doesn�t say that can argue with a game warden all they want to and when you do I can assure you that a ticket will be given. If you play dumb and say you will make sure you have a pfd next time you might get a warning. So argue all you want but save it for the judge. You won�t win but you can feel smarter.

Yes, but sitting in a boat fishing is not a high speed activity (for most of us anyways). No one was saying to argue with the game warden, I was just educating the topic because you certainly can argue TO the judge and prove you were within the law. But hey, if you prefer to take the ticket and pay the fine (because the video stated they weren't giving warnings), then the community can thank you for your donation.

Really you are sitting in a boat with a 250 HP motor on it and you think that because you aren�t running the big motor the warden shouldn�t give you a ticket. Come on out and I�ll let the warden know your coming so you can argue with the judge. We can see how that will turn out. Some of you arm chair lawyers should give it a try maybe after the judge tells you to pay your fine and get within the law you can sue the state and TPWD to prove your right. Heck take it to the Supreme Court.
Or just buy a life vest and keep it in a storage locker.

Got checked on Amistad last year. I was Fishing by myself and had my auto inflate on ice chest right by an open beer.

As soon as they pulled up I handed them my license, they commented I see your life vest right there, good luck.

If it were illegal as you say to have in a boat with a 250 hp motor, certainly they would have asked for another PFD.

I was stopped at least 3 other times while underway. Each time I had my auto inflate on and was never asked for another PFD.

I will take my case to the judge everytime.

The math on turbine wing speed is wrong. I work as an overnight janitor at a local college. Sometime when I�m bored I�ll go solve the mathematical equations on a board in the hallway that no one else has been able to solve.

I can sit in a car without my seat belt on too. I have no idea why you are so angry, but tickets get disputed all the time, especially when the ticketing officer is wrong. It's nothing against the game warden, I have great respect for them and their jobs, but they would be wrong according to the law if they give you a ticket with a type II inflatable.

A lot of game wardens get this wrong. It has to be worn at all times if it is a Type V. Some are, some aren't. It's easiest just to carry a spare.

Wow...great info guys. I wear a non-inflatable style. Too many stories about inflatables not working. Sounds like you better know what you have, and hope the warden understands the law.