Understanding Texas Motorcycle Helmet Laws: What Riders Need to Know

Motorcycling is an exhilarating way to explore the open road, but it comes with inherent risks. In Texas, understanding helmet laws is essential for every rider, and having a motorcycle accident lawyer on your side can be invaluable in the event of an incident.. 

This blog will delve into the specifics of Texas motorcycle helmet laws, ensuring that you are well-informed and prepared for your next ride.

Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law Overview

In Texas, motorcycle helmet laws are somewhat unique compared to many other states. According to Texas Transportation Code 661.003, riders aged 21 and older are not required to wear helmets if they meet certain criteria. 

Specifically, they must have completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and possess either a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s license or a motorcycle learner’s permit (Texas Transportation Code §661.003).

Helmet laws play a crucial role in protecting riders from severe injuries. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), helmets are effective in reducing the risk of head injuries in motorcycle accidents. Data from the NHTSA indicates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017. 

Helmet Requirements According to Law 

Riders Under 21: 

All motorcycle operators and passengers under the age of 21 are required by law to wear a helmet at all times while riding. 

This regulation aims to protect younger riders, who are statistically more vulnerable to severe head injuries in accidents.

Riders 21 and Older: 

Riders aged 21 and above may choose not to wear a helmet if they meet specific criteria:

• They must have completed a state-approved motorcycle safety course.
• They must carry health insurance that covers medical expenses related to motorcycle accidents. Importantly, the insurance must explicitly state that it covers motorcycle-related injuries.

Understanding the Risks

Even in states like Texas that permit some riders to ride without helmets, it is crucial to understand the dangers that come with it. 

Motorcycles are inherently less stable than cars, and riders are more exposed to the road and other vehicles around them. 

Professional riders can also have accidents caused by unpredictable factors like a distracted driver or potholes, among others.

Furthermore, failure to wear a helmet while riding is not only risky, but it also has legal consequences too. 

It is for this reason that in case a rider is involved in an accident the absence of a helmet may affect some of the negligence or damages claims. 

Sometimes, insurance providers may lower compensation for injuries in the event that the rider contributed to the injuries through not wearing a helmet.

Common Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions regarding Texas motorcycle helmet laws: 

“I do not require a helmet since I am an experienced rider.” Experience is not a shield against danger. This means that even skilled drivers can encounter accidents at one point or the other in their lives.

The statement: “Riding without a helmet is safer” is a misconception. While some people may say that a helmet hinders their ability to see and hear, research shows that helmets reduce fatalities. Research has time and again revealed a decline in fatality rates among riders who wear helmets.

It is an argument that says, ‘I can choose not to wear a helmet, so it’s a personal decision.’ While it is true that the state of Texas does allow riders that are over 21 years of age to make this decision, it is crucial that personal decision making be balanced with safety. The implication of that choice can be disastrous.