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If you’re ready to get out on the open road on your motorcycle or moped in the state of Texas, there are some things you need to know in order to stay on the right side of the law.

Keep reading to learn how to own and ride a motorcycle in Texas safely and legally.

Texas motorcycle laws

Each state has specific laws that relate to motorcycle drivers. These include everything from rules of the road to ways of making sure your vehicle is legal to take out onto the roadways.

Here’s what you need to get started:

License

Texas motorcycle and moped laws require drivers to have a valid Class M license. In order to obtain a Texas Class M license, you must already have a regular driver’s license. In addition, you must take a motorcycle safety course that has been approved by the Department of Public Safety (DPS).

After attending the course, you may also be expected to pass a written and driving test (particularly if you are under age 18). However, if you already have a Class M license from another state, DPS will typically waive the safety course requirement.

Once you’ve received a certificate of completion from your motorcycle safety course, take your paperwork to the DPS to file for your Class M license. Keep in mind that the completion certificate is only valid for 24 months from the time it was originally issued.

Minors aged 15 -17 are also eligible for a Class M license in Texas after they:

–          Take a 32-hour driver education course

–          Earn their Class C learner’s permit

–          Take the motorcycle safety course

–          Complete and pass a road test and written test

Regardless of age, you cannot take your motorcycle or moped out on the road until you have registered it with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).

Registration

All motorcycles (and mopeds) in Texas must be registered through the County Tax Assessor-Collector in your county. Your bike will also need to have a valid registration sticker visibly displayed on your license plate at all times.

Before you submit any registration application for a motorcycle or moped in Texas, you’ll need to have it inspected at a Department of Public Safety (DPS)-approved inspection station. After this is done, take the following items to the tax office:

–          Your Vehicle Inspection Report

–          Your application for Texas title and/or registration (Form 130-U)

–          Your official ID

–          Ownership documents (such as a title) to show that you are the owner of the vehicle

–          Proof of Texas motorcycle insurance

–          Payment for the $30 base fee (this may be in addition to other fees or taxes)

If you’ve just moved to Texas with your motorcycle or moped, you have 30 days to register it with the DMV.

If you’re a Texas resident who just purchased a vehicle, you need to apply for new registration before taking your motorcycle out on the road. However, if you purchased your motorcycle from a Texas dealership, their employees may offer to handle registration for you.

Inspection

In addition to your initial inspection, you’ll need to arrange for a yearly inspection at an Official Motor Vehicle Inspection Station. Each certificate of completion is valid for one year and must be displayed visibly on the rear license plate or your motorcycle or moped.

The annual inspection ensures that your vehicle meets the state’s safety standards. In Texas, there are also over a dozen counties that require vehicles to pass an annual emissions test.

Inspectors will test the following parts of your vehicle to make sure they’re working properly (so you may want to repair anything that’s not working in advance):

·         Horn

·         Mirror

·         Steering

·         Brakes

·         Tires

·         Wheel assembly

·         Exhaust system

·         Tail lights

·         Stop light

·         License plate lamp

·         Rear red reflector

·         Head lamp

Inspectors will also ensure that the vehicle has a valid Vehicle Identification Number and appropriate liability insurance.

Insurance

Proof of insurance is required for Texas motorcycle drivers during registration, inspection, and when obtaining a Class M driver’s license.

The minimum acceptable insurance for both motorcycles and mopeds in the state of Texas is $30,000 for bodily injury or death for one person, $60,000 for bodily injury or death for two persons, and $25,000 for property damage. This is sometimes referred to as 30/60/25 coverage. You can also purchase optional collision insurance in case of an accident involving damage to your vehicle.

If you don’t want to purchase traditional insurance, Texas allows motorcycle and moped drivers the option of showing their ability to take on the financial responsibility of accident or injury by putting down a $55,000 deposit (called a surety bond) with the county comptroller or county judge.

Parking

Texas motorcycle law allows you to park your motorcycle or moped in an open and available parking spot.

Motorcycles may not be parked on sidewalks or in the striped area adjacent to a handicapped parking spot under any circumstances.

Only if you have a disabled license plate and an accompanying placard attached to your bike can you park in a handicapped spot.

Helmets

Texas motorcycle law requires that helmets meet the minimum criteria set out in the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218.

In Texas, motorcycle laws require anyone under the age of 21 to wear a helmet, whether they are driving or riding. If you are over the age of 21, a helmet is optional as long as you have proper insurance coverage and proof of at least $10,000 in medical insurance.

Keep in mind that Texas law prohibits an officer from pulling over a motorcyclist for the sole purpose of verifying that they have the necessary medical insurance coverage.

Passengers

If you are going to allow a passenger to ride on your bike with you, you’re required to have a permanent, designated passenger seat installed on your motorcycle or moped.

No passengers under the age of 5 are ever allowed on a motorcycle or moped in the state of Texas. And anyone between ages 5 and 21 must wear a helmet.

Lane splitting

Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides between two striped lanes of traffic to pass other vehicles. It also refers to two more motorcycles riding side-by-side in the same single traffic lane. Neither is legal in the state of Texas and the action can result in a ticket or fine.

Because lane splitting is legal in several U.S. states, it’s crucial to be careful on long road trips during which you cross state lines. Make sure you know the law in each state you travel through.

Headwear and eyewear

Your face and eyes are vulnerable when riding a motorcycle, which is why many helmets include face shields. These prevent facial injuries from rocks and insects that you may kick up or encounter during your ride.

Even if you are exempt from wearing a motorcycle helmet, you may want to wear goggles to protect your eyes from wind and debris. Eyeglasses need to be shatterproof to provide protection rather than being a liability.

Protective clothing

Protective clothing is another good way to stay safe and avoid injury while riding a motorcycle.

It’s important to wear low heeled footwear with nothing dangling (such as laces). It’s also a good idea to wear bright-colored clothing so you’re visible to other drivers.

You will want to ensure that you have rain protection available, and otherwise protect yourself from sun damage, windburn, and dehydration. Ideally, riders wear long pants and sleeves as well as gloves to avoid cuts and abrasions. Consider proper clothing as part of the equipment needed to ride a motorcycle safely.

Equipment

If your motorcycle or moped is registered, inspected, and insured, you have the proper license, and you’re ready to get out on the open road, keep in mind that you still need all of the following to drive a motorcycle or moped legally in the state of Texas:

·         Vehicle Identification Number

·         License plate lamp

·         Headlamp

·         An exhaust system

·         Wheel assembly

·         Functional tail light and stop light

·         Horn

·         Mirror

·         Steering

·         Brakes

·         Tires

·         Rear red reflector

Got a motorcycle ticket in Texas? WinIt can help you

Even when you’re doing your best to stay cautious, you can still find yourself on the other end of a ticket.

If you’re a motorcycle rider in the state of Texas, be sure to visit AppWinIt to find local lawyers and fight your ticket.