Marine Accessories

State

Which persons in your state are required to wear a PFD and under what circumstances?

What are the penalties for violating PFD regulations in your state?

Alabama

1)all children under the age of 8 while onboard any vessel unless in an enclosed cabin or enclosed sleeping area regardless of whether the vessel is in operation 2)all persons on a vessel within 800 feet below a hydroelectric dam and/or navigation lock and dam 3) anyone operating or riding as a passenger on a pwc 4) anyone being towed on water skis, surfboard, dics, spinners, tubes or other similar devices. 

referencing above, violation of 1)$100; violation of 2)$50; violation of 3)$25; violation of 4)$50 

Alaska

Under 13 when in open boats or on open decks or when water skiing 

$100 for under 13 violation $100 for type IV violation $100 for first PFD carriage violation and $50 for each additional person 

American Samoa

All on board while boat is underway. 

$1000 fine 

Arizona

All children 12 years of age and younger must wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved Type I, II, or III life jackets (PFDs) while underway on any vessel. The life jackets (PFDs) must be fastened according to the manufacturer’s recommended use and must fit the child properly. 

Arkansas

Anyone 12yrs old or younger must wear a PFD at all times. The only exception is when they are within the enclosed area of a houseboat or cruiser, or within the area enclosed by railings on a party barge, cruiser or houseboat – while the boat is NOT underway. 

$100 to $250 

Australia

British Columbia

California

Age 12 and younger on vessels less than 26 ft in length or in enclosed cabin or tethered to the mast fo a sailboat . All water-skiers and PWC operators, unless competing in sanctioned races or exhibition 

Violations are infractions, with fine of not nore than $150  

Colorado

persons aboard a PWC, water skiers or persons engaged in similar activities, children less than 13 YOA unless such child is below deck or in an enclosed cabin, persons participating in a regulated river trip provided by a river outfitter unless such river trip is on designated flatwater 

$50.00, except for regulated river trips which have a minimum penalty of $100.00 

Connecticut

All people under 12 years old except when below decks – anyone being towed behind a vessel – all people on pwc’s 

Fine $75. 

Delaware

all children 13 and younger 

25 dollar fine 

District of Columbia

When the operator of a vessel sixteen feet (16 ft.) or more in length is under eighteen (18) years of age, the operator and all other persons aboard the vessel who are under eighteen (18) years of age shall wear a Coast Guard approved personal floatation device of the proper size. All persons aboard any vessel in the area from the southernmost point of the cove commonly known as Fletcher’s Cove in the Georgetown Channel of the Potomac River upstream to the District of Columbia boundary line at Little Falls shall wear a Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device at all times. No person may operate a recreational vessel underway with any child under thirteen years old aboard, unless each child is below the deck, in an enclosed cabin or wearing a US Coast Guard approved personal floatation device. 

Criminal Citation for violation of DCRM 19, Chapter 10, Section 26. $50.00 fine 

Florida

Children under 6 years of age must wear a USCG-approved Type I, II or III PFD at all times while on any vessel less than 26 feet in length that is underway. In addition, each person on board a PWC, and anyone being towed behind a vessel must wear a USCG-approved PFD.  

Non-criminal infraction, with a $50 – $80 fine, depending on the county where the violation occurs.  

Georgia

Children under 10 in an open vessel. All person in a designated Hazardous Area. 

Misdemeanor 

Guam

None 

Up to the court 

Hawaii

all children under the age of thirteen are required to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device whenever the vessel is underway on the ocean waters or navigable streams of the state or when moored or anchored offshore in a non-designated offshore mooring area, unless the children are below decks or in an enclosed cabin. 

§200-14 Violation of rules; penalty. (a) Any person who violates any rule adopted by the department under this part or who violates this part, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or less than $50 for each violation, and any vessel, the agents; owner, or crew of which violate the rules of the department or this part, shall be fined not more than $1,000 or less than $50 for each violation; provided that in addition to or as a condition to the suspension of the fines and penalties, the court may deprive the offender of the privilege of operating or mooring any vessel in state waters for a period of not more than thirty days. [§200-14.5] General administrative penalties. (a) Except as otherwise provided by law, the board is authorized to set, charge, and collect administrative fines and to recover administrative fees and costs, including attorney’s fees and costs, or bring legal action to recover administrative fines and fees and costs, including attorney’s fees and costs, or payment for damages or for the cost to correct damages resulting from a violation of subtitle 8 of title 12 or any rule adopted thereunder. Each day or instance of violation shall constitute a separate offense. (1) For a first violation or a violation beyond five years of a previous violation, a fine of not more than $5,000; (2) For a second violation within five years of a previous violation, by a fine of not more than $10,000; and: (3) For a third or subsequent violation within five years of the last violation, by a fine of not more than $15,000.  

Idaho

Youths aged 14 and younger on boats greater than 19 feet while underway. 

$84 infraction 

Illinois

Persons riding on PWC’s must wear and children under 13 years of age must wear while boat is under way…