Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Penalties and Enforcement

The boating laws of Texas are enforced by the Law Enforcement Division of Texas Parks & Wildlife and other marine safety enforcement officers. All marine safety enforcement officers and game wardens are given the authority under the Texas Water Safety Act to enforce the boating laws of Texas. This includes the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with federal and state laws. The U.S. Coast Guard has enforcement authority on federally controlled waters.

• Every person who violates or fails to comply with laws contained within the Water Safety Act is guilty of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Code misdemeanor.
• Those convicted of a misdemeanor must pay a fine of not less than $25 nor more than $500. In addition, they may be required to complete and pass an approved boater education course.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, U.S. Coast Guard, and any other authorized law enforcement officers have the right to stop and board vessels in order to check for compliance with federal and state laws.