Like any other state, Texas has its own public roadway, motor vehicle, and motorcycle laws. Every rider should know the laws that regulate their public roadways. Failure to know Texas Motorcycle Laws can result in legal citations and trouble. Lucky for you, our Texas Motorcycle Lawyers built a blog sharing Texas’s most essential motorcycle laws.
Lane Splitting is Illegal in Texas
As of September 1, 2023, the bill HB-4122 will go into effect. HB-4122 states that lane splitting and lane filtering are now illegal for motorcycle riding in Texas. The law does make an exception to allow two motorcycles to ride side-by-side in the same lane. There is also an exception for police officers performing official duties.
Riders Under 21 Must Wear a Helmet
Texas law requires that all motorcyclists under 21 wear a helmet.
If you are over 21, Texas law requires that you wear a helmet unless;
- You have completed a state-approved motorcycle safety course or
- You can establish that you have an insurance plan that would cover your healthcare costs if you are injured in a motorcycle accident.
Texas motorcycle law prohibits law enforcement from stopping someone solely to determine whether an exception applies to them.
Important note: While helmets are not mandatory by law, they are critical to motorcycle safety. Studies have shown that motorcycle helmets are crucial in preventing motorcycle deaths and brain injuries, with 37% effectiveness in preventing fatalities and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
Motorcyclists Must Have a Specific License
Texas requires motorcycle operators to obtain a special “Class M License” and meet the regular driver’s license requirements. In addition to the requirements for a regular driver’s license, Class M License holders must take a safety course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety unless they have a valid motorcycle license from another state.
Motorcyclists Must Carry Liability Insurance
All motorcyclists must have liability insurance that will pay at least $30,000 per person injured in an accident and $60,000 for multiple people injured in an accident. The insurance must also cover property damage of at least $25,000.
Motorcyclists Cannot Transport Passengers Under Five Years Old
Any person riding as a transport passenger on a motorcycle must be at least five years old; however, they can ride in a sidecar.
Handlebars Cannot Be More Than Fifteen Inches Above The Seat
Even though they look fantastic and more comfortable, handlebars can only be up to fifteen inches above the seat. Any higher handlebars risk facing a traffic citation.
Other Texas Motorcycle Laws
- Eye protection is required when riding off-road.
- No restrictions are placed on the sound produced by a motorcycle in Texas.
- You are required to have a daytime headlight unless the motorcycle was manufactured before 1975.
- There are no restrictions on the use of the helmet speakers.
- You are required to have one rear-view mirror on your motorcycle.
- There is no restriction on the use of radar detectors for motorcycles.
While it is essential to know your motorcycle laws, it is also critical to know motorcycle safety.
Read our motorcycle safety blog here!
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
