Tennessee § 69-9-225 - Personal flotation devices required for persons twelve (12) years of age and under — Penalty.
Full text of Tennessee Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-9-225 — Personal flotation devices required for persons twelve (12) years of age and under — Penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 69-9-225. Personal flotation devices required for persons twelve (12) years of age and under — Penalty.
All persons twelve (12) years of age and under in an open boat or on an open deck of a vessel being used for recreational purposes on the waters of this state shall wear a United States coast guard approved wearable personal flotation device while such vessel is underway. Any personal flotation devices required by this section shall be in good and serviceable condition, appropriately sized and properly worn by the person. It is unlawful for any person to operate a vessel in violation of this section. This section does not apply to a commercial vessel owned and operated by a commercial entity that charges a per passenger fee. A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than fifty dollars ($50.00). Any person cited under this section shall be given thirty (30) days to provide to the officer proof of legal age and for good cause shown, in the judgment of the officer, such period shall be extended for an additional period of thirty (30) days. In the event the proof shows that the person was of legal age at the time of arrest, the individual shall not be required to appear in court and the court, upon request of the officer, shall dismiss the citation and there shall be no costs assessed to the person. Acts 1997, ch. 57, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A. § 69-10-225 . Cross-References. Penalty for Class C misdemeanor, § 40-35-111 .
Source: official Tennessee text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennessee § 69-9-225
What does Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-9-225 cover?
Section 69-9-225 ("Personal flotation devices required for persons twelve (12) years of age and under — Penalty.") is part of the Tennessee Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Tennessee. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Tennessee § 69-9-225?
A common citation format is "Tennessee Code Annotated § 69-9-225" (Tennessee). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Tennessee law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Tennessee official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Tennessee attorney.
How does Tennessee § 69-9-225 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Tennessee can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Tennessee.