← Wyoming boating laws›Life Jacket Rules

Wyoming Life Jacket Rules (2026)

Conditional: In Wyoming, children 12 and under must wear a life jacket while the boat is underway unless they are inside an enclosed cabin.

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: wgfd.wyo.gov →

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

Life Jacket Rules in states bordering Wyoming

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

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 →
IdahoConditional
Idaho requires children 14 years of age or younger, on board vessels 19 feet or less, to wear an approved life jacket when the vessel is underway.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: parksandrecreation.idaho.gov · Full Idaho rule →
MontanaConditional
Montana requires children under 12 to wear a life jacket on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: fwp.mt.gov · Full Montana rule →
NebraskaConditional
In Nebraska no child under 13 may be aboard any vessel without wearing a Coast Guard-approved life preserver, except when hunting waterfowl in an anchored boat.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: outdoornebraska.gov · Full Nebraska rule →
South DakotaConditional
South Dakota requires each child under 7 years old to wear a Coast Guard-approved PFD whenever the boat operates above no-wake speed, unless in a cabin or below deck.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: rules.sd.gov · Full South Dakota 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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