Yes, boating at night is permitted in Texas under certain conditions and with adherence to specific regulations.
Here are key points regarding boating at night in Texas…
- Navigation Lights – All vessels, including boats and personal watercraft (PWC) like jet skis, must display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility (e.g., fog, rain) to ensure visibility to other boaters.
- Required Equipment – Besides navigation lights, boaters must have onboard the required safety equipment, including life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) for each person, a sound-producing device (like a whistle or horn), and a fire extinguisher if the boat has an enclosed compartment containing fuel tanks or other flammable materials.
- Boater Education – Boaters born on or after September 1, 1993, must complete a boater education course approved by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to legally operate a vessel or PWC (including jet skis) with a motor of more than 15 horsepower.
- Speed Restrictions – Some water bodies may have specific speed restrictions or no-wake zones at night to ensure safety and minimize disturbance to residents or wildlife.
- Additional Considerations – It’s advisable to check local regulations and specific waterbody rules regarding nighttime boating, as additional restrictions or requirements may apply depending on the location.
Overall, boating at night in Texas is permitted but requires adherence to safety regulations and the proper use of navigation lights to ensure safe navigation and visibility on the water.