boat light laws texas

Texas Boat Light Laws: Essential Safety Regulations

By William AndersonDecember 12, 2025

Texas, known for its expansive shores along the Gulf of Mexico and countless waterways, has clear regulations regarding boat lighting to ensure safety and navigability. Understanding these laws is crucial for all boat owners and operators to prevent accidents and stay compliant. Let's dive into the key aspects of boat light laws in Texas.

asustained in the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) regulations, boat lighting is crucial for safe navigation, particularly during hours of reduced visibility or at night. Texas boat light laws mimic federal guidelines, requiring vessels to display certain lights when underway between sunset and sunrise, and during periods of reduced visibility such as fog.

navigation Light Requirements

navigation lights are vital for signaling a boat's presence, direction, and size to other vessels. Texas requires that all mechanically propelled boats and sailboats less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length display the following navigation lights:

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Power-Driven Vessels

For power-driven vessels less than 65.6 feet (20 meters) in length, Texas mandates displaying:

Green side light on the starboard (right) side.
Red side light on the port (left) side.
White stern (rear) light visible from a distance of at least two miles.

Vessels less than 16.4 feet (5 meters) must also display a white bow (front) light.

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Sailboats and Vessels Under Oars

Sailboats have unique lighting requirements:

Sailboats less than 20 meters (65.6 feet) and not mechanically propelled must display white bow and stern lights.
Sailboats under oars, whether underway or at anchor, must show a white light visible 360 degrees.

For sailboats 20 meters or longer, treat them as power-driven vessels for lighting purposes.

Additional Lighting for Special Circumstances

Certain situations require additional boat lighting in Texas:

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Fishing Boats and Commercial Vessels

vessel under 50 meters (164 feet) engaged in fishing or towing, and all mechanically propelled commercial vessels, must display:

A forward-facing, red and green sidelight arrangement,
A white or yellow stern light,
And a white masthead light.

Organization and Maintenance of Lights

Maintain all lights in good working order, and keep them secure so they won't fall overboard. Switch on navigation lights at least 30 minutes before sunset and keep them on until at least 30 minutes after sunrise. During periods of reduced visibility like fog, always have a white, all-around light visible from 360 degrees.

Staying informed about Texas boat light laws not onlyhelps avoid fines and penalties but also ensures the safety of you, your passengers, and other boaters. Always prioritize safety and adhereto these important regulations while enjoying Texas' beautiful waters.