Motorcycling is very popular in Texas. We have one of the largest motorcycle populations in the United States. Before you take to the road, you should know the Texas laws governing motorcycles, and the common sense safety rules. Experienced and knowledgeable motorcyclists would rather be riding then fighting a legal battle or recovering from a crash.

If you have never ridden a motorcycle, you should know that a motorcycle only looks easy to ride. Motorcycles are different from other vehicles – only two wheels places more demand on the operator for balance and coordination. The motorcycle’s smaller size makes it harder for others to see it in traffic and more vulnerable to injury in a crash. Riding a motorcycle requires special skills and knowledge beyond those required for driving a car.

On today’s highways, there are large number of motorcycle riders and even larger numbers of automobile drivers who do not understand how to safely mix in traffic. This lack of knowledge resulted in an increase in motorcycle-related crashes. The key to safety is understanding and learning how to share the roadway.

Knowing all you can about the motorcycle you ride, or intend to ride, is good preparation for safe and enjoyable riding. Learning to ride off the street in "The Course for Motorcycle Riders" is good insurance. When you take to the road, you will be able to concentrate on the traffic because control of the motorcycle becomes second nature with the proper instruction.

There are plenty of things on the highway that can cause trouble. Your motorcycle should not be one of them. Three ways to be sure your motorcycle won’t let you down are:

1. Make sure you have the right equipment to begin with.

• Keep your motorcycle in safe riding condition.
• Avoid adding accessories or making modifications that make your motorcycle harder to handle.

Equipment

Texas Law requires the following equipment on Motorcycles and Motor Driven Cycles:

1. Wheel Assembly
2. Exhaust System
3. Tail Lamp (1)
4. Stop Lamp (1)
5. License Plate Lamp
6. Rear Red Reflector
7. Head Lamp (1)
8. Motorcycle serial, vehicle or identification number
9. Horn
10. Mirror
11. Steering
12. Brakes
13. Tires

These are just minimum requirements. To survive in traffic, you should have a mirror on each side. It is also a good idea to have additional reflectors on the motorcycle.

Helmets and Passengers. Helmets meeting the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218 (FMVSS-218) are required for a motorcycle operators and passengers. Persons at least 21 years old are exempt from wearing a helmet is they have completed a Department-approved motorcycle operator training course or they are covered with at least $10,000 in medical insurance. Persons operating or riding upon a motorcycle with a helmet exemption sticker displayed are presumed to meet the helmet exemption requirements.

Helmets should also:

• Fit snugly
• Be securely fastened when riding
• Be free of defects such as cracks, loose padding, frayed straps, or exposed metal.

A motorcycle operator cannot carry a passenger unless the motorcycle is equipped with a permanent passenger seat.

Licensing and Operating

Adult Motorcycle Operator Licensing

The operator of a motorcycle on a public roadway must hold a valid motorcycle license (Class M Driver License). This requirement also applies to operators of scooters.

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.

Road Test and Waiver Information
In order to take a road test, applicants must have their own motorcycle and provide a passenger vehicle and a licensed driver to drive the examiner during the road test. The vehicle owners must show proof of liability insurance for both vehicles and must pass an on-site safety inspection.
An applicant 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 a an MSB-8 completion certificate and receive a waiver of the road test.

Requirements for Licensing Minors

Texas law requires that minors, ages 15 through 17 pass a basic motorcycle operator training course approved by the Department of Public Safety before applying for a motorcycle license. Before taking the course, minors must have successfully completed the classroom phase of a driver education course. A minor must present the MSB-8 before testing for a motorcycle license.

Minors over the age of 16 who already have an unrestricted Class A, B, or C driver license are eligible for a road test waiver. Minors under the age of 16 can only be licensed to ride a motorcycle with no more than 250cc piston displacement. This restriction is indicated by the restriction code "I" on the driver’s license. After the person reaches the age of 16, the 250cc restriction may be removed.

Mopeds. The operator of a moped must hold a valid license as a moped operator (Class M driver license with a restriction code of "K"). A moped is defined as a motor driven cycle that cannot exceed 30 mph, does not have an engine larger than 50cc, and does not have manual gear shifting. Applicants for a moped operator’s license must be at least 15 years old. The licensing requirements involve a written examination on traffic laws that apply to the operation of mopeds. No road test involving the operation of a moped is required.

Registration. Every owner of a motor vehicle, including motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds that will be ridden on public roadways, must register their vehicle through the County Tax Collector in their county of residence. A license plate must be attached to the rear of the vehicle, and must include a sticker showing current registration.

Inspection. All motor vehicles registered in Texas, including motorcycles, motor scooters, and mopeds, must be inspected each year at an official motor vehicle inspection station. When the motorcycle passes inspection, an approved certificate must be placed near the rear license plate. These certificates are good for one year from the month of inspection.

Insurance. All motor vehicle operators must show proof of liability insurance when the vehicle is registered or inspected, or when getting an operator license.

Be Road Ready
Studies indicate that in crashes, motorcycle riders and passengers are more likely to be seriously injured or killed than automobile operators or passengers. Your chance of reaching your destination safely is directly related to the preparation you do before the ride. You need to mentally prepare by being alert, free of stress, sober, and ready for riding.

Head Protection. A helmet protects you against head injury, windblast, cold, sunburn, flying objects, and hearing loss. Head injuries account for the majority of motorcycle fatalities. Without a helmet, you are five times more likely to sustain a critical head injury in a crash.

Eye Protection. Eyeglasses with shatterproof lenses protect the eyes but most styles do not seal out the wind that makes your eyes water. Goggles provide eye protection and most models protect your eyes from the wind. A motorcycle windshield or fairing alone is not adequate for eye protection. Eye protection should:

• Be shatterproof
• Be securely fastened
• Be optically clear
• Resist impact and penetration
• Not block peripheral vision

Protective Clothing. The clothes you wear when riding a motorcycle should protect you from sunburn, windburn, rain, dehydration, cold, and parts of the motorcycle, and provide visibility and comfort. In case of a crash, quality riding clothes may prevent or reduce the severity of cuts, abrasions, and bodily injury. Quality riding clothes consist of:

• Low-heeled footwear that covers the ankle with no dangling laces or rings and provides a good grip on the road surface and foot pegs.
• Gloves that protect the hands from cuts and bruises, blisters, cold, wind, and provide better grip for control.
• Brightly colored long-sleeved shirt or jacket and long pants that will resist abrasions and fit comfortably without binding.
• Rain suits are recommended in rainy weather.

Face Shields. Any motorcyclist who has been hit in the face by a stone or an insect while riding can tell you about the benefits of face protection. Studies indicate that motorcycle riders with shields covering their faces suffer fewer facial injuries than others without a shield. A face shield should:

• Be securely fastened to the helmet and be free of scratches.
• Resist impact and penetration.