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Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? #10650126 02/26/15 06:52 PM
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Rhino68W Offline OP
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Aside from having a PFD and whistle. Are there any other laws here in Texas for kayaking in freshwater? For example, do you have to have lights while fishing at night?

Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Rhino68W] #10650142 02/26/15 06:56 PM
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YakAnglerTTU Offline
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Texas Parks & Wildlife Personal Watercraft Regulations

https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/vessel_requirements/#pwc

Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Rhino68W] #10650182 02/26/15 07:06 PM
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Neumie Offline
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There was a recent post made about what the minimum requirements were for kayaking in Texas, so here's a list of said requirements along with the code for citation. If you feel I have misinterpreted or have something incorrect please let me know.

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


Minimum Requirements Summary:
Lakes and Rivers: PFD and 360 light between sunset and sunrise
Bays and Gulf: PFD, 360 light between sunset and sunrise, sound signaling device, and visual signaling device suitable for night time use between sunset and sunrise

Last edited by Neumie; 02/26/15 07:07 PM.

"Water is life's matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water." -Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." - Heraclitus
Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Neumie] #10650236 02/26/15 07:19 PM
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Todd Offline
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Originally Posted By: Neumie
If you feel I have misinterpreted or have something incorrect please let me know.

popcorn

Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Todd] #10650304 02/26/15 07:41 PM
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Neumie Offline
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Originally Posted By: Todd
Originally Posted By: Neumie
If you feel I have misinterpreted or have something incorrect please let me know.

popcorn

Yeah, I should probably remove that from my default post regarding the regs.


"Water is life's matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water." -Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." - Heraclitus
Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Rhino68W] #10650658 02/26/15 09:24 PM
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yakintime Offline
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As always Josh - you are very thorough!

I might suggest that some law enforcement agents will check for an audible emergency signaling device (whistle). It is my advice all kayakers carry one. It seems I have heard of ticketing even on inland waterways. I'm not sure of the legality but its always best not to worry about having to have that kind of a discussion with a law enforcement officer.

Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Rhino68W] #10651499 02/27/15 02:09 AM
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Rhino68W Offline OP
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That's exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Neumie

Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Rhino68W] #10651762 02/27/15 03:32 AM
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Observation: There is a lot of DIY activity that goes on wrt the 360 light - everything from flashlights taped to poles (legal in some states) to solar powered walkway lights. Much of what I see I can't imagine comes close to meeting the requirements for lighting, so I encourage people to try not to cheap-out in this aspect of yakking. Being seen before sunrise/after sunset is critical to your safety and to the safety of other boaters.

Also agree with the whistle or sound device - they are so cheap, there is no reason not to have one and they can be a very effective way to get needed attention.

Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: RogerB] #10651776 02/27/15 03:38 AM
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Rhino68W Offline OP
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I agree about the light situation. I don't fish after daylight right now but once that time comes I am all about safety. And you hit the nail on the head about the whistle.

Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Neumie] #10652184 02/27/15 01:15 PM
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christian myrick Offline
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Originally Posted By: Neumie
There was a recent post made about what the minimum requirements were for kayaking in Texas, so here's a list of said requirements along with the code for citation. If you feel I have misinterpreted or have something incorrect please let me know.

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


Minimum Requirements Summary:
Lakes and Rivers: PFD and 360 light between sunset and sunrise
Bays and Gulf: PFD, 360 light between sunset and sunrise, sound signaling device, and visual signaling device suitable for night time use between sunset and sunrise


This is the kind of thing that makes tff amazing!well done josh. Always so helpfull.


Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Rhino68W] #10652928 02/27/15 05:41 PM
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nice! good helpful info pops right up! - laws are pretty easy to follow. clap


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Re: Are there any laws for kayaking in Texas? [Re: Neumie] #10653579 02/27/15 09:38 PM
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Jeaux Offline
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U know my OP
Originally Posted By: Neumie
There was a recent post made about what the minimum requirements were for kayaking in Texas, so here's a list of said requirements along with the code for citation. If you feel I have misinterpreted or have something incorrect please let me know.

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


Minimum Requirements Summary:
Lakes and Rivers: PFD and 360 light between sunset and sunrise
Bays and Gulf: PFD, 360 light between sunset and sunrise, sound signaling device, and visual signaling device suitable for night time use between sunset and sunrise


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