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New Hampshire Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: New Hampshire requires all children 12 years old and younger to wear a life jacket when being transported in a boat.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: nhsp.dos.nh.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering New Hampshire

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

MaineConditional
Effective Jan 1, 2026, Maine requires any child under 13 (including the operator) to wear a USCG-approved PFD while a recreational watercraft is underway, unless below decks or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legislature.maine.gov · Full Maine rule →
MassachusettsConditional
Massachusetts requires PFDs be worn by youth under 12 years of age (as well as PWC users, water skiers, and canoeists/kayakers Sept 15-May 15).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mass.gov · Full Massachusetts rule →
VermontConditional
In Vermont, anyone under 12 must wear a personal flotation device at all times while aboard a boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: vsp.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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