Texas Motorcycle Laws
Safety Helmet - Required by law under age 21. Over age 21, riders are not required to wear a helmet with proof of successful completion of rider training or $10,000 of medical insurance covering injuries resulting from a motorcycle accident. (must have the sticker on bike).
State Funded Riders Ed Available for eligible applicants - required under age 18.
Eye Protection - Not Required.
Daytime Use of Headlight - Required unless motorcycle is manufactured prior to 1975.
Passenger Seat - Required if carrying a passenger.
Passenger Footrest - Not Required.
From the TX DPS website: An operator may not carry another person on the motorcycle,
and a person who is not operating the motorcycle may not ride on the motorcycle,
unless the motorcycle is designed to carry more than one person.
Passenger Age Restriction - None.
Helmet Speakers - No Restrictions.
Periodic Safety Inspection - Required by law.
Mirror Left(L) Right(R) - One required by law.
Radar Detector - No Restriction.
Turn Signals - Required if model year 1960 or newer.
Muffler - No acoustical criteria.
Maximum Sound Level - No acoustical criteria.
State Insurance Requirements - Compulsory Liability (Minimum Limits)(20/40/15).
Handlebar Height - Maximum of 15" above seat - Required by inspection regulations.
Rider Education Waiver - Skill Test.
Accept Motorcycle Endorsement From Other States - Yes.
Motorcycles operating two abreast in same lane - Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes.
Lane Splitting - Not referenced in Administrative Code or Statutes.
Vehicle Inspection:
Items of Inspection
05.07 Inspect Every Motorcycle and Motor-Driven Cycle For: (listed in suggested order of inspection)
* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility
1. Horn
2. Mirror
3. Steering
4. Brakes (system)
5. Tires
6. Wheel Assembly
7. Exhaust System
8. Tail Lamp (1)
9. Stop Lamp (1)
10. License Plate Lamp
11. Rear Red Reflector (1)
12. Head Lamp (1)
13. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
Definitions:
Motorcycle: Every motor vehicle having a saddle for the use of the rider and designed to propel itself with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground but excluding a tractor.
Motor-Driven Cycle: Every motorcycle with a motor which has an engine piston displacement of not more than 125cc.