Introduction
Texas offers world-class boating on the Gulf Coast, large lakes and reservoirs, and extensive river systems covering over 80,000 miles of waterways. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) provides boating safety news, education, and regulations, including how to winterize a boat and boat docking guidelines. For vessel transfers, a Texas boat bill of sale is required. From the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay to Lake Travis and the Highland Lakes, Texas provides exceptional boating opportunities year-round.
At a Glance
Registration
All motorized vessels, sailboats, and windblown vessels over 14 feet operated on Texas public waters must have a texas boat registration. The process for registering a boat in texas involves applying with TPWD. Your boat registration numbers (also known as your boat rego number) must be displayed on the forward half of the vessel on both sides in bold block letters at least 3 inches high in a color contrasting with the hull. Your boat's HIN can be verified through a boat hin lookup. The registration decals must be displayed as directed. Out-of-state boats may operate in Texas for up to 90 consecutive days with valid home state registration. Upon sale or transfer of a titled vessel, the seller must sign the back of the title and print the purchaser's name and address.
Safety Education
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 operating a vessel powered by a motor over 15 HP or a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length on Texas public waters must have a Texas Boater Education Certificate, commonly called a texas boat license, obtained by completing a boater safety course texas and passing the exam. The course is available online through approved providers or in a classroom setting. The Boater Education Certificate is valid for life. Out-of-state residents may use a NASBLA-approved certificate from their home state. Operators must carry their certificate and photo ID while operating.
Safety Equipment
All vessels must carry a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket for each person on board, readily accessible. Children under 13 years old must wear a USCG-approved life jacket while on a vessel that is underway. Boats 16 feet or longer must carry a USCG-approved throwable flotation device immediately accessible. Fire extinguishers are required on vessels with permanently installed fuel tanks or enclosed compartments. All vessels must carry a boat horn or other sound-producing device. Boat navigation light requirements include displaying lights from sunset to sunrise. Visual distress signals are required on coastal waters and the Gulf of Mexico. Personal watercraft operators and passengers must wear a USCG-approved life jacket at all times. Additionally, a boat anchor, boat anchor winch, and boat lighting are important safety items.
Boating Laws
Under texas boating laws, Boating Under the Influence is illegal with a BAC limit of 0.08 percent. Penalties include fines up to $500, jail time up to 180 days, and boater education requirements. All vessels must obey posted speed limits and no wake zones. Personal watercraft may not operate between sunset and sunrise. Water skiing and tubing require an observer or wide-angle mirror. Accident reporting is required for incidents involving death, disappearance, injury, or property damage exceeding $2,000. Texas has laws regarding invasive species transport, including giant salvinia and zebra mussels. A texas boat license (Boater Education Certificate) is required for some operators. Additionally, a Texas boat bill of sale is necessary when transferring ownership. In areas like Kemah, Texas boat rides are popular, but all operators must follow the same texas boating laws. All operators must carry proof of registration while operating.
Where to Boat
Texas has over 6,700 lakes and reservoirs plus the Gulf of Mexico coastline. Popular boating destinations include Lake Travis, Lake Austin, Lake LBJ, Canyon Lake, Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Texoma, Lake Conroe, Sam Rayburn Reservoir, Toledo Bend Reservoir, the Highland Lakes chain, Galveston Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, Aransas Bay, the Rio Grande River, and the Guadalupe River. Many of these locations offer a boat launch or a boat ramp for easy access.
Invasive Species
Texas has strict laws regarding aquatic invasive species including giant salvinia, zebra mussels, and hydrilla. If quagga mussels found in boat, they must be removed. State law requires boaters to remove all plants, mud, and debris from vessels and trailers before leaving or approaching any water body. Ensure proper boat drain plug installation to facilitate draining; for jon boats, a jon boat drain plug is essential. Drain all water from bilges, livewells, and engine cooling systems before transporting the vessel. It is illegal to transport invasive aquatic plants or zebra mussels on public roads. Clean, Drain, and Dry procedures are required by law. Boat inspection stations may be present at some lake accesses. Non-compliance can result in fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to operate a boat in Texas?
No boating license required, but anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 operating a vessel over 15 HP or a sailboat over 14 feet must have a Texas Boater Education Certificate from a TPWD-approved course.
What safety equipment is required on my boat?
Required equipment includes a USCG-approved life jacket for each person (children under 13 must wear theirs), a throwable flotation device on vessels 16 feet or longer, a fire extinguisher (on vessels with fuel tanks), a sound-producing device, and navigation lights.
How do I register my boat in Texas?
Register with TPWD. All motorized vessels and sailboats must be registered. Registration is valid for two years. Out-of-state boats have a 90-day grace period.
What are the age requirements for boating?
Children under 13 must wear a life jacket while the vessel is underway. Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993 needs a Boater Education Certificate for vessels over 15 HP.
What are the BUI laws in Texas?
BUI is illegal with a 0.08 BAC limit. Penalties include fines up to $500, jail up to 180 days, and boater education.
What are the invasive species laws in Texas?
Texas law requires boaters to remove all plants and mud from vessels before leaving a water body. Drain all water before transport. It is illegal to transport zebra mussels or giant salvinia.
What is another name for Texas boating regulations?
Texas boating regulations are also referred to as TPWD boating rules, Texas Parks and Wildlife boating laws, or Texas boating safety requirements.