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Virginia Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: 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.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: dwr.virginia.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Virginia

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

District of ColumbiaConditional
DC follows the federal rule: children under 13 must wear a USCG-approved life jacket when a recreational vessel is underway, except below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mpdc.dc.gov · Full District of Columbia 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 →
MarylandConditional
Maryland requires all children under age 13 to wear a USCG-approved PFD while underway on a recreational vessel under 21 feet in length.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland 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 →
TennesseeConditional
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.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: tn.gov · Full Tennessee rule →
West VirginiaConditional
West Virginia bars operating a recreational vessel underway with a child under 13 aboard unless the child wears an approved PFD or is below deck or in an enclosed cabin.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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