46 CFR 160.255-19: Placard requirement for lifejackets offered for sale
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section requires a placard with each lifejacket sold or offered for sale. A prospective purchaser must be able to read it before buying. The placard text must match ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 unless the Commandant approves otherwise.
Applies toEach lifejacket sold or offered for sale.
What it says
Each lifejacket sold or offered for sale must come with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read before purchase.
“Each lifejacket sold or offered for sale must be provided with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase”
The placard must be as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4, which is incorporated by reference; the text refers to § 160.255-5.
“as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5)”
The required placard text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4, unless the Commandant approves otherwise.
“The required placard text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4, unless otherwise approved by the Commandant.”
Common questions
Does a lifejacket need a placard when it is offered for sale?
Yes. Each lifejacket sold or offered for sale must be provided with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase.
“Each lifejacket sold or offered for sale must be provided with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase”
Can the lifejacket placard text be changed?
The text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4, unless the Commandant approves otherwise.
“The required placard text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4, unless otherwise approved by the Commandant.”
Which figures set the lifejacket placard format?
The placard must be as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4.
“as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4”
The text of 46 CFR 160.255-19
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Placard
Each lifejacket sold or offered for sale must be provided with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase, as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5). The required placard text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4, unless otherwise approved by the Commandant.
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.