Texas Motorcycle Laws You Should Know

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!