← Tennessee boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Tennessee Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: In Tennessee, children 12 and younger must wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD on the open deck of a recreational boat unless anchored, moored, or aground.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: tn.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Tennessee

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

AlabamaConditional
In Alabama, children under 8 years old must wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times on any boat, except when in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: alea.gov · Full Alabama rule →
ArkansasConditional
In Arkansas, children 12 years old and younger must wear a securely fastened USCG-approved PFD at all times on any vessel, except within an enclosed cabin when not underway.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: agfc.com · Full Arkansas rule →
GeorgiaConditional
Georgia requires children under age 13 to wear a PFD at all times while on any moving vessel.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gadnrle.org · Full Georgia rule →
KentuckyConditional
Kentucky requires children under 12 years of age to wear a USCG-approved PFD at all times while underway in an open vessel or on an open deck.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fw.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MississippiConditional
Mississippi requires anyone 12 years of age and younger to wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD whenever underway in a vessel under 26 feet in length.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dmr.ms.gov · Full Mississippi rule →
MissouriConditional
Missouri requires each person under age 7 aboard any watercraft on state waters to wear a USCG-approved PFD (exception for fully enclosed areas such as a houseboat/cruiser cabin).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mshp.dps.missouri.gov · Full Missouri rule →
North CarolinaConditional
In North Carolina, children under 13 years of age must wear an approved life jacket while underway on a vessel less than 26 feet.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncwildlife.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
VirginiaConditional
On federal waters (most Virginia waters) any child under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket unless below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dwr.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →

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