TX laws

littlewake · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 39 City: Jonestown,TX

does anyone know what the law is here in texas about having a third person on the boat as a spotter? Can i get a ticket if its just me and a driver?

DavidHoff · Posted: Jun 17, 2004 5:17 pm Post subject:

If it's only you and the driver than I think you're fine as long as there is a mirror. If there's no mirror than you can get a ticket without a spotter.

Bowen · Posted: Jun 17, 2004 5:30 pm Post subject:

W/ a boat I'm pretty sure you're fine as long as there is a mirror. That is a different story on a Water Roach though.

noneya · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 796 City: Roxboro, NC

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/boat/wsdigest.phtml

Every motorboat towing a person must have an observer, other than the operator, 13 years of age or older OR be equipped with a rearview mirror of a size no less than four inches (4") in measurement from bottom to top and across from one side to the other.

littlewake · Newbie Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 39 City: Jonestown,TX

thanks man, i guess i could have looked that up myself. I guess i need to put my mirror back up Wink

cowdoc13 · Newbie Joined: 18 Jun 2004 Posts: 43 City: College Station

Littlewake:

Keep in mind there are some lakes that have "additional rules" beyond what is required by state law. Lake Conroe is an example. While I have not ridden there, there have been several posts on boards about an observer being required there. I think Lake Houston and a few lake around Dallas are the same way. Again this is not based on first hand experience or knowledge, it is based on people commenting in other threads. Wish I could direct you to a place where you could check what the lake in your area requires, but I do not know of one. The Texas Department of parks, wildlife and fisheries has a website. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/ It list all the lakes in Texas. Look under "inland fishing". I know for some lakes it gives a link or phone number to get information about specific lakes. You may try there to find a number to call or website to visit for information about your local lake. I know local lakes in my area do not require an observer. But I have heard of people commenting on how they got a ticket on lake Conroe for not having an observer.

ORIGINryder · Posted: Jun 20, 2004 10:49 am Post subject:

ive ridden on lake conroe, i havent gotten a ticket but i would definitly recommend an observer especially if youre ridin while its busy, ive had some close encounters wit those big ass boats hah. but if you have ur mirror up you should be fine.

TxWakeBrds · Newbie Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 48 City: San Antonio

Never had a problem @ Medina Lake in SA,TX.