Do You Need a Boating License in Texas?
Boating on a lake or off the coast is a popular activity for Texas residents during the hot summer months. Boating is an activity that many families and friends enjoy; however, there are rules and regulations in place for people to operate a boat in Texas, including a boating license. In Texas, anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, is required to have a boating license in order to operate a vessel with a motor rating of more than 15 horsepower, a wind-blown vessel over 14 feet, or a personal watercraft. Without a boating license, operators could face serious fines and penalties. Thus, it is important to know the boating license requirements before you operate a vessel.
What Kinds of Watercraft Can I Operate Without a Texas Boating License?
There are a few exemptions when it comes to operating a watercraft without a Texas boating license. One type of watercraft that does not require a Texas boating license is any human-powered craft. Human-powered crafts include vessels such as canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, and rubber rafts. Additionally, you are not required to have a Texas boating license if you are operating a wind-powered sailboat that is under 14 feet in length. Finally, boats that are registered in another state and are using Texas waterways for 90 consecutive days or less are not required to obtain a Texas boating license.
What are the Texas Boating License Requirements?
Boater education training is recommended for anyone who wishes to operate a boat; however, it is only required for people born on or after September 1, 1993. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department(TPWD), if an individual was born on or after September 1, 1993, they are required to obtain a Texas Boater Education Card, also known as a boating license, before operating certain vessels. A Texas Boater Education Card allows cardholders to operate a vessel powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower, a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length, or a personal watercraft.
Additionally, on public waters, no person may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat powered by a motor of more than 15 horsepower unless they are at least 13 years old and have obtained a Texas Boater Education Card. However, there are exceptions to this rule. A person may operate a personal watercraft or a motorboat, regardless of age, if they are supervised by another person who is at least 18 years old, has a boating license, and is on board the motorboat when underway. Furthermore, an individual is not required to have a Texas boating license if they have purchased a one-time 15-day boater education deferral and are operating a vessel during the 15-day period.
How Can You Get a Boating License in Texas?
In order to obtain a Texas boating license, you must complete a boater safety course that has been approved by the TPWD. To take a Texas Boater Education course, you must be at least 13 years of age. Individuals looking to get a boating license may take the boater safety course either online or in a classroom setting. Most of the approved courses take about three hours to complete, and a list of approved boater education courses can be found on the TPWD website. After enrolling in the course, you must pass an exam on the safety course material. Once you complete the course and pass the exam, you will receive a temporary certificate that will allow you to begin boating immediately, and a permanent Boater Education Card will be available to download within seven to ten business days, which will serve as your Texas boating license.
What Happens if You Are Caught Operating a Boat Without a Boating License in Texas?
If you are caught operating a boat without a Texas boating license when you are legally required to have one, you will face a $500 fine and be required to take an approved boater education course within 90 days. If you do not complete the boater education course within 90 days, you will be charged with a Parks and Wildlife Class A misdemeanor. A Parks and Wildlife Class A misdemeanor is an offense punishable by a fine of at least $500 and up to $4,000 and/or jail time of up to one year.
Additionally, operating a boat without a Texas boating license can be used as proof of negligence in a boating accident case. If you operate a vessel without a boating license and cause an accident, you could be held liable for property damages and personal injury claims made by other parties involved.
What Should I Do if I Was Involved in a Boating Accident?
If you or someone you know has been injured in a Texas boating accident, you need an experienced Houston boating accident lawyer on your side. If your injuries were caused by the negligence of another boat operator, passenger, or owner, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, lost wages, property damages, and more. At Simmons and Fletcher, P.C., our experienced attorneys will listen to your claim, guide you through filing a claim, work to prove the other boat operator’s negligence, and do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve. For a free consultation, call (713) 932-0777.
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