Motorcycle riders know the risk they take when they ride, yet many motorists do not make an appropriate effort to safely share the road. Riders should always protect themselves to avoid a serious accident.
It is necessary to obey Houston motorcycle traffic laws. By upholding these laws, riders ensure safety and help prevent accidents.
Legal compliance with motorcycle traffic laws give riders a better chance of receiving a fair compensation, while failing to comply reduces those chances. If you have any liability and compensation questions, speak with our motorcycle accident specialists at Ramji Law Group.
In Houston, traffic laws require motorcyclists to have a Class M motorcycle license or an M endorsement on their driver’s license. Completing an approved motorcycle safety course is mandatory for all applicants, but the state waives the requirement for anyone with a valid motorcycle license from another state.
Minors at least 15 years old are able to apply for a motorcycle license. They must complete 32 hours of driver’s education classroom training and hold either a Class C learner’s license or a Class C unrestricted license before they can take the motorcycle safety course. Also, minors must have a parent’s approval and pass a skills test before receiving a class M license.
For applicants over the age of 18 with a valid driver’s license and a completed motorcycle safety course, the skills test can be waived. Additionally, adults under 25 years old without a valid driver’s license must take an approved adult driver’s education course before taking the actual motorcycle safety course.
Like other types of motor vehicles, motorcycles are subject to annual inspections. Motorcycles must be registered, and owners must have liability insurance. The minimum coverage in Texas is $30,000 for bodily injury to a single person, $60,000 total bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage.
Motorcyclists must use reasonable caution when riding to prevent accidents and avoid harming others. All the traffic laws that apply to other Houston motor vehicles also apply to motorcycles on the road. Riders must obey traffic signals and speed limits and always pay attention to their surroundings.
Texas Transportation Code § 545.0605 allows motorcycles to fully use a lane and prohibits other vehicle drivers from denying them this privilege. Motorcycles may not ride between lanes of traffic, a practice called lane splitting or filtering, and they may not pass a vehicle in the same lane the vehicle is traveling in. Motorcycle riders can ride two abreast in a single lane.
Texas law regarding helmets is complex. Some riders must wear a helmet, while others are not required to do so. Motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 must always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Motorcyclists aged 21 and older can ride without a helmet if they meet the following guidelines:
While many Texas riders are eligible to ride without a helmet, doing so is unwise. Decades worth of research has shown that helmet use reduces head injury traumas, also known as traumatic brain injury, which leads to less motorcycle accident fatalities. Remember, as a responsible motorcycle driver, always wear a helmet. Reach out to Ramji Law Group, P.C. to learn more about how failing to uphold traffic laws could impact your motorcycle accident claim for compensation.
Despite wearing a helmet and strictly adhering to Houston motorcycle traffic laws, an accident is still possible. If you were recently injured in a motorcycle accident, get help from an experienced attorney at Ramji Law. Our team has proven success handling motorcycle accident claims and will fight for what you deserve.
To protect your rights, prompt action is necessary! Consult with our team at Ramji Law Group, P.C. by calling (713)-888-8888.
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