Sec. 31.1071. OPERATION OF MOTORBOAT WITH EMERGENCY ENGINE CUTOFF SWITCH. (a) In this section, "engine cutoff switch" means an emergency switch installed on a motorboat that:
(1) is designed to shut off the engine if:
(A) the motorboat operator using a lanyard attachment activates the switch by falling overboard or otherwise moving beyond the length of the lanyard; or
(B) the motorboat operator or a passenger using a wireless attachment activates the switch by falling overboard and submerging a man-overboard transmitter; and
(2) attaches:
(A) physically to the motorboat operator through the use of a lanyard worn by the operator; or
(B) wirelessly through the use of a water-activated man-overboard transmitter worn by the motorboat operator or any similarly equipped passenger on the motorboat.
(b) A motorboat operator may not operate a motorboat less than 26 feet in length and equipped by the manufacturer with an engine cutoff switch while the motorboat is under way and moving at greater than headway speed without first verifying that the switch is operational and fully functional and properly attaching the lanyard or wireless attachment, as appropriate for the specific motorboat, to the operator's body or to the clothing or personal flotation device being worn by the operator.
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1030 (H.B. 337), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
Structure Texas Statutes
Subchapter D. Boating Regulations
Section 31.091. Uniformity of Boating Regulations
Section 31.092. Local Regulations
Section 31.093. Rules of the Road
Section 31.094. Reckless or Negligent Operation
Section 31.095. Excessive Speed
Section 31.096. Reckless Operation and Excessive Speed
Section 31.098. Hazardous Wake or Wash
Section 31.099. Prohibition on Circular Course Around Individuals Engaged in Water Activities
Section 31.100. Interference With Markers or Ramps
Section 31.101. Obstructing Passage
Section 31.102. Operating Boats in Restricted Areas
Section 31.1021. Operating Vessels in Scuba Diving or Snorkeling Areas
Section 31.103. Water Skis, Aquaplanes, Etc
Section 31.104. Accidents: Duty of Operators
Section 31.105. Accident Reports
Section 31.106. Personal Watercraft
Section 31.107. Operation of Motorboat
Section 31.1071. Operation of Motorboat With Emergency Engine Cutoff Switch
Section 31.108. Boater Education Program
Section 31.109. Boater Education Course Required for Certain Persons
Section 31.110. Exemption From Boater Education Course Requirement; Deferral Program