A person in Texas is adjudged guilty of operating a personal watercraft in a prohibited manner. Besides paying the fine, what must the person do?Answer: Complete an approved boater education course by the 90th day after the judgment. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.131(a)
A Texas boater charged with having no card asks the court for leave to take a course. By what day after the alleged offense must the motion be made?Answer: Not later than the 10th day. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(f)
A Texas boater is charged with not having the required card. What must the court do if the boater produces a card that was valid at the time of the offense?Answer: Dismiss the charge. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(e)
A Texas defendant on that probation shows the justice that the boater education course was completed. What happens to the fine?Answer: The justice waives it. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.130(d)
Show all 111 questions (107 more)
Boater education course and card, continued
A visitor who does not live in Texas wants to operate a 40 horsepower boat there. What exempts the visitor from the Texas course?Answer: Proof of completing a boater education course in another state that the department approves. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.110(a)
A windblown vessel over what length brings a younger Texas operator under the boater education requirement?Answer: Over 14 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(a)
Above what motor rating does the Texas boater education requirement apply to a powered vessel?Answer: More than 15 horsepower. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(a)
After a Texas court defers a no-card charge so the boater can take a course, how long does the boater have to present written evidence of completion?Answer: 90 days. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(f)
Before a Texas vessel livery hands over a rented vessel, what must it give each operator?Answer: Instruction on the chapter, the vessel's operating characteristics and the area's boating regulations. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.111(b)
Besides a boater identification card, what must a Texas operator subject to the education requirement have in their possession?Answer: A photographic identification card. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(b)
For a first Texas violation relating to the operation of a vessel, what may a justice do when the defendant asks to attend a boater education course?Answer: Defer the fine and place the defendant on probation for up to 60 days. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.130(b)
How long must a Texas vessel livery keep the acknowledgment form each rental operator signs?Answer: At least six months. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.111(c)
In place of a boater education course, what may a person complete to receive a Texas boater identification card?Answer: A course equivalency examination approved by the department. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(c)
Texas boater education courses must meet or exceed the minimum instruction requirement of which body?Answer: The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.108(a)
The Texas boater education requirement reaches a person born on or after which date?Answer: September 1, 1993. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(a)
The Texas course must teach department-approved cleaning methods for a boat, its motor, fishing and other equipment and what else?Answer: A boat trailer. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.108(a-1)
What may a Texas operator carry in place of the department's boater identification card?Answer: Proof of completing the requirements for a Coast Guard vessel operator's license. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(b)
When does a Texas boater identification card expire?Answer: It does not expire. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.109(d)
Where does the Texas statute say boater education courses and examinations must be available?Answer: In each county. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.108(a)
Where must the supervising person be for the Texas boater education exemption to count?Answer: On board the watercraft when under way. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.110(b)
Which license lets its holder skip the Texas boater education course altogether?Answer: A master's, mate's or operator's license issued by the Coast Guard. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.110(a)
Which subject must every Texas boater education course or equivalency examination include by statute?Answer: How to prevent the spread of exotic harmful aquatic plants, fish and shellfish. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.108(a-1)
Which supervisor exempts a young Texas operator from the boater education requirement?Answer: A person of at least 18 who is exempt or holds a boater identification card. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.110(a)
Ages and supervision 5
A Texas tow boat has no rearview mirror. How old must the on-board observer be for the boat to be exempt from the mirror rule?Answer: 13 or older. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.071(b)
Below what age must the operator of a personal watercraft in Texas have a supervisor on board?Answer: Under 13. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
How old must a person be to operate a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower alone on Texas public water?Answer: At least 13. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.107
What does the Texas personal watercraft section say may happen to an owner who lets a person under 18 operate the craft in a prohibited manner?Answer: The owner may be notified of the violation. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(d)
Who may supervise a child under 13 at the controls of a 40 horsepower motorboat in Texas?Answer: A person of at least 18 who can lawfully operate it and is on board when under way. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.107
Personal flotation devices 9
A child under 13 rides in a canoe that is under way in Texas. What does the statute require?Answer: The child must wear a wearable personal flotation device. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.066(d)
A recreational vessel of what length must also carry an immediately accessible Type IV throwable device in Texas?Answer: 16 feet or more. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.066(c)
For the Water Safety Act, what is a skier on the end of a Texas tow rope counted as?Answer: As an occupant of the vessel. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.103(c)
From what are Texas canoes, kayaks and rowboats exempt when paddled, poled, oared or windblown?Answer: All safety equipment except a wearable flotation device for each person and the required lights. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.073(a)
How many wearable personal flotation devices must a Texas motorboat carry?Answer: At least one for each person on board, readily accessible. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.066(a)
On a Texas motorboat under what length must every passenger under 13 wear a personal flotation device while underway?Answer: Less than 26 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.066(b)
Which devices does the Texas child flotation rule say do not satisfy it?Answer: A life belt or ring buoy. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.066(b)
Which flotation devices must each person riding on or towed behind a personal watercraft in Texas wear?Answer: A Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V device. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
Which paddle craft are left out of the Texas rule that a paddled or windblown vessel of 16 feet or more carries a Type IV device?Answer: A canoe or kayak. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.073(a-1)
Speed, wake and restricted areas 15
Around whom does Texas forbid operating a motorboat in a circular course?Answer: A person swimming, or a boat whose occupant is fishing or waterskiing. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.099(a)
How close may a swimmer or diver come to a sight-seeing or excursion boat in Texas, apart from maintenance or an enclosed area?Answer: No closer than 200 yards. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.099(b)
How does Texas describe the reckless operation that section 31.096 forbids?Answer: Wilful or wanton disregard of the rights or safety of others, at a speed or in a manner that endangers. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.096
May a Texas city or water district set its own boat speed limit that departs from the commission's standards?Answer: No, a limit must conform to the commission's standards. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.095(b)
The operator of a vessel underway in Texas sights a rotating or flashing blue beacon light. What must the operator do?Answer: Reduce power at once, come to no-wake speed and then stop until the water safety vessel's intention is understood. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.123
The Texas excessive speed section bars a speed greater than will let the operator do what?Answer: Bring the boat to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.095(a)
To which water does the Texas Water Safety Act not apply?Answer: Privately owned water. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.004
What does Texas law say about mooring a boat to a buoy, beacon or light marker placed as an aid to safe operation?Answer: No person may moor or attach a boat to it. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.100(a)
What kind of wake or wash does Texas forbid a motorboat operator to create?Answer: A hazardous one. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.098
What must a Texas city's own boating rules for a lake inside its limits be?Answer: Consistent with the provisions of the Water Safety Act. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.092(a)
When may a Texas motorboat circle in spite of the circular course rule?Answer: To retrieve a downed or fallen water-skier. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.099(a-1)
When may a vessel be moored to a state-owned boat launching ramp in Texas?Answer: Only in connection with launching or retrieving a boat. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.100(b)
Where does the Texas obstructing passage section forbid anchoring a boat?Answer: In the traveled portion of a river or channel, so as to impede other boats. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.101(a)
Which conditions does the Texas excessive speed section name as part of what is reasonable and prudent?Answer: Weather and density of traffic. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.095(a)
Which craft may enter a Texas water area clearly marked by buoys as a swimming or otherwise restricted area?Answer: A patrol or rescue craft. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.102
Water skiing and diver down flags 9
How close may a vessel come to a buoy or vessel displaying a diver down flag in Texas?Answer: No closer than 50 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1021(a)
How does Texas statute describe a diver down flag?Answer: A square or rectangular red flag, at least 15 by 15 inches, with a diagonal white stripe. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1021(f)
How large must the rearview mirror on a Texas vessel that tows water skiers be at least?Answer: Four inches from bottom to top and across. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.071(a)
On a Texas waterway of what width does the 50-foot diver down distance not apply?Answer: Less than 300 feet wide. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1021(e)
Texas closes the water to ski and surfboard towing for which stretch of the night?Answer: From one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.103(a)
What must a scuba diver or snorkeler in Texas do to be entitled to the protections of the diver down section?Answer: Prominently display a diver down flag from a buoy or vessel. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1021(c)
Which Texas vessels may tow skiers after dark if adequate lighting is provided?Answer: Those used in water ski tournaments, competitions, exhibitions or trials. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.103(a)
Who may enter the 50-foot area around a Texas diver down flag with permission?Answer: A person permitted by whoever placed the buoy or operates the flagged vessel. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1021(e)
Within what distance of a diver down flag must a Texas vessel slow to the minimum speed needed for steerageway and headway?Answer: 150 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1021(b)
Personal watercraft 9
A Texas personal watercraft tows a tube. How many persons must the towing craft be designed to carry on board at least?Answer: Two. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
Closer than how many feet to a stationary platform, another object or the shore may a Texas personal watercraft go no faster than headway speed?Answer: 50 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
How does the Texas personal watercraft section treat wake jumping?Answer: It bars jumping another vessel's wake recklessly or unnecessarily close to that vessel. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
The maker fitted a Texas rider's personal watercraft with a lanyard cutoff switch. What does the lanyard clip to?Answer: To the operator's person, clothing or personal flotation device. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
On a Texas body of water of what width does the 50-foot personal watercraft rule not prohibit operation?Answer: Less than 100 feet in width. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(c)
Texas keeps personal watercraft off the water for which part of the day?Answer: Between sunset and sunrise. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
To which events do the Texas personal watercraft restrictions not apply?Answer: Professional exhibitions and officially sanctioned races, tournaments or exhibitions. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(b)
What sets a personal watercraft apart from other motorboats in the Texas definitions?Answer: A motorboat designed to be operated by a person sitting, standing or kneeling on the vessel. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.003(14)
Which steering habit does the Texas personal watercraft section name as prohibited?Answer: Swerving at the last possible moment to avoid a collision. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.106(a)
Boating while intoxicated 8
At what alcohol concentration is a person 'intoxicated' under the Texas Penal Code?Answer: 0.08 or more. Source: Tex. Penal Code 49.01(2)
Besides the numeric limit, how else does the Texas Penal Code define 'intoxicated'?Answer: Not having the normal use of mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, a drug or another substance. Source: Tex. Penal Code 49.01(2)
In the Texas Penal Code, 'alcohol concentration' is grams of alcohol per how much breath?Answer: 210 liters. Source: Tex. Penal Code 49.01(1)
What does the Texas Penal Code make an offense under the heading boating while intoxicated?Answer: Being intoxicated while operating a watercraft. Source: Tex. Penal Code 49.06(a)
What may a Texas enforcement officer do to any vessel subject to the Water Safety Act in order to enforce it?Answer: Stop and board it and inspect it for compliance. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.124(a)
What minimum term of confinement does the Texas Penal Code attach to boating while intoxicated, apart from the enhanced offenses?Answer: 72 hours. Source: Tex. Penal Code 49.06(b)
Which device is left out of the Texas Penal Code's definition of 'watercraft'?Answer: A device propelled only by the current of water. Source: Tex. Penal Code 49.01(4)
Which of these is a 'watercraft' under the Texas boating while intoxicated law?Answer: Water skis or an aquaplane, as well as a vessel. Source: Tex. Penal Code 49.01(4)
Accidents, reports and officers 11
A marine safety enforcement officer investigates a reportable Texas incident. By when must the officer file the written report with the department?Answer: Not later than the 15th day after first becoming aware of it. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.105(c)
After a Texas collision the operator owes an injured person a name, an address and the vessel's identification. How are they handed over?Answer: In writing. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.104
By what day must the operator of a vessel in a reportable Texas incident give a full description to an officer or game warden?Answer: Not later than the 30th day after the incident. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.105(b)
The commission sets the property damage figure that makes a Texas boating incident reportable. Below what amount may it not set that figure?Answer: $2,000. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.105(a)
How does Texas law treat a boating incident report held by the department?Answer: It is confidential, with release only to those the section lists. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1055(c)
What limit does the Texas statute place on the help an operator owes after a collision on the water?Answer: As far as the operator can help without serious danger to his own vessel, crew and passengers. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.104
What must a Texas officer do first on boarding a vessel?Answer: Identify himself by presenting proper credentials. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.124(b)
What must the operator of a numbered Texas vessel show an officer on demand?Answer: The certificate of number. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.124(c)
Where may a Texas enforcement officer send a vessel whose use creates an especially hazardous condition?Answer: Back to mooring until the condition is corrected. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.124(f)
Which injury makes a Texas boating incident one the incident report section applies to?Answer: One that requires medical treatment beyond first aid. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.105(a)
Who are the primary officers for enforcing the water safety provisions of the Texas chapter?Answer: Game wardens commissioned by the commission. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.121(a-2)
Lights, cutoff switches and other equipment 14
A 14-foot skiff runs along the Texas coast. During which hours does the statute want night signals aboard?Answer: Between sunset and sunrise. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.074(c)
A Texas motorboat under what length, fitted by its maker with an engine cutoff switch, falls under the cutoff switch section?Answer: Less than 26 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1071(b)
A vessel of what length on Texas coastal waters must carry visual distress signals approved for day and night use?Answer: 16 feet or more. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.074(b)
At what speed does the Texas engine cutoff switch section begin to require the lanyard or wireless attachment?Answer: Greater than headway speed. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1071(b)
Before running above headway speed, what must the operator of a Texas motorboat with a factory engine cutoff switch do?Answer: Verify the switch works and attach the lanyard or wireless attachment to body, clothing or flotation device. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1071(b)
Besides a lanyard, what kind of engine cutoff attachment does the Texas statute recognize?Answer: A wireless one that uses a water-activated man-overboard transmitter. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.1071(a)
For the Texas visual distress signal section, how far from the coastline do 'coastal waters' reach?Answer: Nine nautical miles. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.074(a)
What does Texas law say about a visual distress signal whose marked service life has expired?Answer: It does not meet the requirement on coastal waters. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.074(d)
What light must a Texas vessel that is not at dock show from sunset to sunrise at the least?Answer: At least one bright light, lantern or flashlight. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.064
What must be installed on the engine of a motorboat operating on Texas water to deal with exhaust?Answer: An exhaust water manifold or a factory-type muffler. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.070
What must the fire extinguishers on a Texas motorboat be capable of?Answer: Promptly and effectively extinguishing burning gasoline. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.067(b)
Which boats are excepted from the Texas ventilator requirement for bilges and fuel tank compartments?Answer: Open boats. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.069
Which engines are excepted from the Texas requirement of a flame arrestor or backfire trap on the carburetor?Answer: Outboard motors. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.068
Which equipment may a Texas boat built solely for racing go without while competing in a race?Answer: A sound-producing device and a fire extinguisher. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.072(a)
Numbering 8
For decal placement, Texas calls a recreational boat 'antique' when it was built how long before the decal is issued?Answer: 35 or more years. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.032(c)
For how long may a vessel numbered in another state be operated in Texas before it must carry a Texas number?Answer: Not more than 90 consecutive days. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.022(a)
In the Texas Water Safety Act, a 'boat' is a vessel of not more than what length?Answer: 65 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.003(1)
What color must a Texas vessel's number be?Answer: A color that contrasts with the hull material. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.032(a)
What is the least height Texas allows for the characters of a number painted on a bow?Answer: Three inches. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.032(a)
Where on a Texas vessel must the identification number and registration decal go?Answer: On each side of the forward half. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.032(a)
Which small craft need no Texas number so long as no motor moves them?Answer: Canoes, kayaks, punts, rowboats, rubber rafts or other vessels under 14 feet. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.022(c)
Which three things must be true before a person may operate a vessel that Texas requires to be numbered?Answer: It is numbered, its certificate of number is in force and the number is properly displayed. Source: Tex. Parks & Wild. Code 31.021(b)
How this list was compiled: Written only from the Texas statutes as published by the Texas Legislature at https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/: the Water Safety Act, Parks and Wildlife Code chapter 31 (sections 31.003, 31.004, 31.021, 31.022, 31.032, 31.064, 31.066 to 31.074, 31.092, 31.095, 31.096, 31.098 to 31.111, 31.1021, 31.1055, 31.1071, 31.121, 31.123, 31.124, 31.130 and 31.131), and Penal Code sections 49.01 and 49.06. The chapter text was fetched on 2026-10-03 from the Legislature's statute file server, https://tcss.legis.texas.gov/resources/, which supplies the pages shown on statutes.capitol.texas.gov. Each question names its section and links to that section on the Legislature's site. That an examination exists is section 31.108: the commission creates a course equivalency examination that may be taken instead of the boater education course, and section 31.109 has the department issue a boater identification card after either. The statute gives no number of questions and no pass mark, so none is stored here. The department's rules in the Texas Administrative Code were not read and nothing is asked from them. Licence: Own work. Questions, answer choices and explanations were written for this site from the statute text; nothing is copied from a boater handbook, a boating course, a course provider's study guide or another practice test.
How it works
This unofficial Texas boater safety course study guide turns the Water Safety Act and two Penal Code sections into practice questions, each cited by number. It is state law only, so no navigation rule is asked. Read October 2026.
Read the full guide
Born September 1, 1993 or later, 15 horsepower, age 13
Section 31.109 asks anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, for a boater identification card on a motor over 15 horsepower or a windblown vessel over 14 feet. Texas issues a card, not a license, and it never expires. Under 13, a motorboat over 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft needs a supervisor of 18 on board (31.106, 31.107).
What the Act says about the course and the examination
Section 31.108 has the commission approve courses and create an equivalency examination that may be taken instead. Every course covers how to stop the spread of harmful aquatic plants, fish and shellfish. Nowhere does the Act say how long that examination is or what score passes.
Two diver down distances: stay 50 feet away, and hold to steerageway speed inside 150 feet.
Personal watercraft stop at sunset; ski towing stops one-half hour after sunset.
Questions and answers
Who has to take the Texas boater safety course?
Anyone born on or after September 1, 1993, who operates a vessel with a motor of more than 15 horsepower, or a windblown vessel over 14 feet, on public water. Section 31.110 lists the exemptions, such as supervision by a qualified person of 18.
How old do you have to be to drive a boat in Texas?
At least 13 to operate alone a motorboat of more than 15 horsepower or a personal watercraft. A younger child needs a person of 18 or older on board who can lawfully operate it (sections 31.106 and 31.107).
How many questions are on the Texas boater education exam, and what is the pass mark?
The Water Safety Act gives neither figure. For the card it accepts an approved course or the course equivalency examination. Exam mode stops after 25 questions, a length set by this site for a practice round, and applies no pass line.
Does a Texas boater education card expire?
No. Section 31.109(d) says a boater identification card issued after an approved course or course equivalency examination does not expire. An operator subject to the rule carries it with a photographic identification card.
Is this study guide from Texas Parks and Wildlife?
No. Texas Parks and Wildlife had no part in this page and has not reviewed it; this is not a government website. Each question names its section of the Parks and Wildlife Code or the Penal Code and links to the statute text.