Texas boasts a vibrant motorcycle culture, driven by its vast geographic expanse that features numerous open roads and diverse terrains, making riding a thrilling adventure. The state hosts many large motorcycle rallies. In Texas, motorcycles enjoy the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to be aware of Texas Motorcycle Laws for your safety and that of others.
However, accidents can arise even after knowing what constitutes a legal bike ride on the streets of Houston. Therefore, the Houston motorcycle accident lawyer deeply digs into such matters and guides the victims regarding their rights and commitments.
Texas Motorcycle License
To operate a motorcycle legally in Texas, you need a valid Class M License. First, you must secure a regular driver’s license and complete a motorcycle safety course.
The motorcycle safety course equips new or inexperienced riders with essential riding skills and strategies for managing a bike in hazardous conditions. It covers the fundamental controls and emphasizes crucial safety techniques for prospective riders. Furthermore, the course typically involves several hours of motorcycle riding practice.
Department of Public Safety (DPS) approval is required for these courses. The DPS website provides a list of approved safety courses. After finishing the safety course, you must bring your results to the nearest DPS office. You are exempt from the safety course requirement if you hold a motorcycle license from another state. A consultation with a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer will give you an insight into your legal rights with your license.
The last requirement for obtaining your license involves completing driving and written tests. If you are 18 or older, you might be exempt from the driving test. The examination assesses your understanding of Texas motorcycle laws. It may include questions about:
1. Correctly swerving your motorcycle,
2. The proper use of signals, and
3. Handling a flat tire, among others.
Minors aged 15-17 can earn a Texas Class M License by obtaining a driver’s permit and completing a motorcycle safety course.
Extra Motorcycle Education
Renewed motorcycle education can be beneficial, especially if you haven’t ridden recently, and it may also reduce your insurance premiums. This course is known as the Intermediate Motorcycle Operator Training Course.
The Intermediate Motorcycle Operator Training Course lasts a full day and can be completed on your street-legal motorcycle. Its purpose is to enhance your skills as a motorcycle operator for safety.
More expert Riders can enroll in a DPS-approved Advanced Motorcycle Operator Training Course.
Motorcycle Laws
Motorcycles are required to follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles. Additionally, motorcyclists have specific rules they must adhere to, such as:
Motorcycle Inspections
In Texas, all vehicles must undergo an annual inspection.
This inspection guarantees that your motorcycle meets the state’s latest safety standards. In seventeen counties, an emissions test is required alongside the inspection.
When you take your motorcycle for inspection, the following components will be checked:
– Horn
– Mirror
– Steering
– Brake system
– Tires
– Wheel assembly
– Exhaust system
– Tail lamp
– Stop lamp
– License plate lamp
– Rear red reflector
– Headlamp
– Motor, serial, or vehicle identification number.
During your inspection, they will confirm that your motorcycle includes a saddle for the rider.
You’ll receive an approved certificate after your motorcycle successfully passes the inspection. Be sure to display it near your bike’s rear license plate.
If you own a motorcycle in Texas, you must register your motorcycle with the county tax assessor-collector, and a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer can help you with this procedure. This is where you’ll receive your license plate, which must always be attached to your bike. On your license plate, you must also include an up-to-date registration sticker.
Remember that proof of liability insurance is required for your motorcycle to pass inspection and be registered successfully. The minimum insurance coverage includes $30,000 for bodily injury or death for one individual, $60,000 for bodily injury or death for two individuals, and $25,000 for property damage.
Motorcycle Parking Laws
Motorcycles can be parked in open parking spaces.
You may only park your motorcycle in an accessible parking spot if you have a disabled license plate and placard displayed on your bike. Sharing this placard with other motorcyclists or lending it out is not allowed.
It is illegal to park your motorcycle in the striped area next to accessible parking spots. Although some motorcycle riders try to use these spaces since their bikes are narrow, doing so can lead to a parking citation and a fine.
Motorcycle Passengers
All motorcycle passengers must be at least five years old. Passengers aged five to 21 are required to wear a helmet while riding. Those over 21 may ride without a helmet, provided their driver meets the helmet requirements exemption.
If you’d like to give a passenger a ride, your bike must have a designated passenger seat and a place for your passenger’s feet to rest. These are standards created in Malorie’s Law.
Exhaust Laws
Numerous states enforce regulations regarding the noise levels of motorcycle mufflers. However, Texas lacks any laws regulating the decibel levels of motorcycle mufflers. You can have your muffler as loud or quiet as you prefer in Texas.
However, evading laws can lead to legal issues in Houston. Consequently, enlisting a Houston motorcycle accident lawyer is a smart decision for your litigation process. An experienced lawyer can leverage their knowledge and skills to navigate your case effectively, helping you achieve favorable results throughout the proceedings.
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