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Arizona Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: In Arizona, all children 12 years of age and younger must wear a USCG-approved life jacket whenever underway on any vessel.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: azgfd.com →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Arizona

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

CaliforniaConditional
California requires every child under 13 to wear a USCG-approved life jacket on a moving vessel of any length, except in an enclosed cabin or during an emergency rescue.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dbw.parks.ca.gov · Full California rule →
ColoradoConditional
Colorado requires children 12 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket whenever the vessel is on the water, except when in an enclosed cabin or below deck.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: cpw.state.co.us · Full Colorado rule →
NevadaConditional
In Nevada, passengers 13 and under must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while any boat is underway, unless they are in an enclosed area (NRS 488.193).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ndow.org · Full Nevada rule →
New MexicoConditional
In New Mexico, children under 13 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway, unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: emnrd.nm.gov · Full New Mexico rule →
UtahConditional
Utah requires passengers 12 years old and younger to wear a properly sized Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever a boat is in operation.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: stateparks.utah.gov · Full Utah rule →

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