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Texas’ Law for Negligent Operation

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Texas’ Laws for Careless, Reckless or Negligent Operation

It is illegal in the state of Texas to operate any boat, or to manipulate any waterskis, aquaplane, or similar device in a willfully or wantonly reckless or negligent manner that endangers the life, limb, or property of any person.

Examples of reckless or negligent operation include:

Operating at a dangerous rate of speed.
Boating in a restricted area.
Creating a hazardous wake or wash.
Encircling others engaged in water activities.

Texas’ Laws for Boat Speed Limits and Operation in Restricted Areas

In Texas, boaters must operate at a safe speed and obey any posted speed limits. Additionally, it is illegal to operate a boat in an area that has been clearly marked by buoys or any other distinguishing device, such as a bathing, fishing, swimming, or otherwise restricted area.