Texas Motorcycle Laws

Texas motorcycle laws, excerpted from the "Texas Department of Safety Motorcycle Operator's Manual," a publication created by the Motorcycle Safety Unit. For your reading pleasure, the full manual is included at the bottom of the page where you can chose to save it, e-mail it, or print it out. These laws were in force at time of publication, but are subject to change and modification. If you have any questions, please contact DPS at (800) 292-5787.

Equipment

Texas law requires the following equipment on Motorcycles and Motor-Driven Cycles

Wheel Assembly
Exhaust System
Tail Lamp (1)
Stop Lamp (1)
License Plate Lamp
Rear Red Reflector
Head Lamp (1)
Motorcycle, Serial, or, Vehicle
Identification Number
Horn
Mirror
Steering
Brakes
Tires

Texas law requires the following equipment on Mopeds

Brake
Reflector
Head Lamp
Rear Lamp

There are currently no statutes regarding mufflers/exhaust decibels.

Parking

DISABLED PARKING

State law provides that it is a violation (Class C misdemeanor – up to $500 fine) for a person to park, stand, or stop a vehicle (motorcycle)in a disabled person parking
space.

The law specifically states:

You may not park in a disabled parking space unless the vehicle (motorcycle) has a disabled license plate or a state issued removable windshield identification card;
You may not use a disabled parking windshield identification card unless transporting the disabled person to whom it was issued;
You may not lend your windshield identification card to someone else;
You may not block an access or curb ramp;
Additionally, certain municipalities also prohibit stopping or standing a vehicle (motorcycle) in a disabled parking space unless bearing a disabled parking windshield identification card or disabled license plate.

Other parking stipulations:

Do NOT park in striped areas Do not park a vehicle (motorcycle) in striped areas adjacent to handicap parking spaces or in striped area in front of entrance to a business adjacent to a parking space. The striped area is for wheelchair lifts.
In addition, motorcycles should not be parked on sidewalks.
Parking on sidewalks can prevent a person who is handicapped from gaining access to a business or their residence

Helmets

Helmets meeting Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218 (FMVSS-218) are required for motorcycle operators and passengers. This requirement applies to all motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds regardless of size or number of wheels.

Persons at least 21 years old are exempt from wearing a helmet if they have completed a Department-approved Motorcycle Operator Training Course or they are covered with at least $10,000 in medical insurance. (Proof of medical insurance must be a card or certificate that contains the
name of the insurer, the insurance policy number, and the policy period).

The law prohibits a peace officer from stopping or detaining a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a motorcycle health insurance plan and repeals provisions relating to a DPS-issued sticker required to be displayed on a motorcycle by a motorcycle owner.

The Basic and Advanced Motorcycle Operator Training Courses meet the helmet exemption requirement. The Advanced Motorcycle Operator Training Course is recommended for experienced licensed motorcyclists.

Passengers

A motorcycle operator cannot carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped with a permanent passenger seat. The same helmeting statutes apply to passengers

Licensing

The operator of a motorcycle on a public highway must hold a valid motorcycle license (Class M driver license). This requirement also applies to operators of motor-driven cycles and mopeds.

To receive a license to operate a motorcycle, applicants must pass a written test covering traffic laws pertaining to motorcycles and a road test. The road test may be waived.

An applicant (must be age 16 or older) who has passed a Department of Public Safety approved Basic Motorcycle Operator Training Course, and has an unrestricted (not an instructional permit) Class A, B, or C license, can present an MSB-8 completion certificate or a completion card from a course meeting Motorcycle Safety Foundation curriculum standards.

Lane Splitting

In spite of several “lane splitting” bills having been introduced in different sessions of the Texas Legislature, to date none has been signed into law. The concept of “lane sharing” is not specifically addressed by existing statute. A lane-spiltting rider stopped by a peace officer will be subject to the interpretation of the peace officer at the time.

Texas Department of Safety Motorcycle Operator’s Manual

You can download the PDF or print directly from this subwindow.