1. (a) This section applies only to a person who is:

   1. (1) born on or after September 1, 1984; and

   2. (2) operating on the public water of this state:

      1. (A) a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or more; or
      2. (B) a windblown vessel over 14 feet in length.

2. (b) A person subject to this section must have in the person's possession:

   1. (1) a photographic identification card; and
   2. (2) a boater identification card issued by the department.

3. (c) The department shall issue a boater identification card to a person who has successfully completed:

   1. (1) a boater education course approved by the department; or
   2. (2) a course equivalency examination approved by the department.
4. (d) A boater identification card issued to a person who has successfully completed a boater education course or course equivalency examination does not expire.
5. (e) Upon proof of completion of a boater safety education course a court shall dismiss a violation of Subsections (b)(1) and (2).

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1363, Sec. 7, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.