What Are the Texas Motorcycle Laws?
Here are some key Texas laws designed to protect motorcyclists and promote safe practices among all road users in the Lone Star State:
Motorcycle Helmet Law
Texas law requires all riders under the age of 21 to wear helmets while operating motorcycles. Riders age 21 and over can choose not to wear a helmet, but only if they have either completed a state-approved motorcycle operator training course or obtained health insurance that provides coverage for accident injuries.
Lane-Splitting Law
Lane splitting, also known as white-lining or stripe-riding, is the practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slow-moving or stopped traffic facing the same direction as the motorcyclist. In Texas, this practice is illegal. State law requires motorcyclists to follow the same rules for lane usage as other vehicles, meaning they cannot ride between lanes of traffic or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.
Motorcycle Licensing Law
Would-be motorcyclists need a Class M motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on their existing license to operate a motorcycle legally in Texas. To obtain a Class M license or endorsement, an applicant must pass a written test, a road test, a vision exam, and a motorcycle operator training course.
How a Motorcycle Accident Differs from a Car Accident
A motorcycle accident differs from a car accident in several significant ways. First, motorcycles lack the protection provided by a vehicle frame, making riders more vulnerable to severe crash injuries. Even with safety gear, such as helmets and protective clothing, motorcyclists are exposed to direct impacts with vehicles, the road, and other unforgiving surfaces in traffic collisions.
Second, the dynamics of a motorcycle accident are distinct from those of car-on-car accidents. Motorcycles are smaller and lighter than other motor vehicles, making them more maneuverable and easier to stop. However, this also means they are prone to instability and more easily overlooked by other drivers. Motorcycles are also more susceptible to hazardous road conditions like potholes or slick surfaces.
In addition to the practical differences between motorcycle accidents and other traffic collisions, many insurance companies approach motorcycle accident claims differently. They use perceived risk factors and cultural biases of motorcycles and their riders to deny claims, minimize payouts, and save themselves money.
