Make sure and watch the life jacket warning at the 2:40 mark of this video....it's a $325 ticket and DQ from tournaments.

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Yes that is the texas law you must wear your inflatable at all times or have a non inflatable in the boat .

From TPWD web site.

TYPE V (Hybrid Device) Required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD.
Advantages: Least bulky of all Types. High flotation when inflated. Good for continuous wear.
Disadvantages: May not adequately float some wearers unless partially inflated. Requires active use and care of inflation chamber.

This is simply not knowing the laws. All inflatables are not the same. It's all based on the Coast Guard rating of Type I, II, III, IV or V. Most of the original inflatables were Type V's but that has changed a lot now. As long as your inflatable is a Type I, II or III, it's legal without having to be worn.

Example is this one I pulled from Tackle Warehouse. It's rated as a Type II.

http://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Mustang_DLX_38_Inflatable_PFD/descpage-MDDLX.html

Received ticket on Rayburn for not wearing mine are having another life jacket in boat two weeks ago. Not really sure what standard life jacket is going to do for you in your box but guess it is the law. $317.00 on rayburn.

Good Info Ken.

I bought a new Onix inflatable last week. It clearly states on the tag on the jacket that it must be worn to be counted as a life jacket while in the boat.

In other words, if the GW comes up and asks to see a PFD for every person in the boat. it will NOT count as one unless you have it on.

I use one all the time. Never wear it unless my big motor is in use. I also carry 4 normal life jackets in my box. Been checked numerous times on Fork, in and out of tournaments. Never have had a word said to me about it. The only law I was aware of is that it does not count as a normal life jacket.

What Coast Guard Type rating does it have Ken? I specifically had this conversation with a game warden several months ago and confirmed as long as the inflatable if Type 2 or 3, its legal.

^^^ This, my inflatable are a type II and do not have to be worn to be considered a life jacket. A lot of inflatables are a Type V which do require to be worn. I am sure most people dont pay attention to this enough to dispute it with the game warden, but I am also sure the game warden is not looking to verify the rating and is probably assuming all inflatables are a type V as well.

yes true I was told about this law before I went to texas... I have two orange cheapies in there also.

Except his math is wrong on the turbines at the start. The blades are 165 foot total. not 140 foot each.

And that is an old law about the inflatables. They have been giving tickets for it for several years.

According to TPWD website - https://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/boat/safety/vessel_requirements/

"Inflatable PFDs are authorized only when used in accordance with requirements as presented on U.S. Coast Guard approval labels. Inflatable PFDs are not approved for use on personal watercraft, waterskiing, or other high speed activity."

So as long as your inflatable is a Type II or III you do not have to wear it all times. Make sure you keep your tags on your vests that show the rating though.

This is what is says Chris:

Our lightweight, low-profile Bass Pro Shops� Auto/Manual Inflatable Life Vest provides comfort, safety, and peace of mind. Auto-inflates when immersed or when back-up handle is pulled; can be converted to manual-only inflation. 200 denier nylon ripstop fabric resists tears and punctures, and a soft neoprene neckline provides all-day comfort. Fits adults over 80 lbs. with 30'' to 52" chest. USCG-approved Type V with Type III performance. Be SAFE and be LEGAL by wearing a PFD at all times.

This is the one I use