Texas Motorcycle Helmet Laws

Texas’ wide roads and diverse landscapes make it a paradise for bikers but also one of the deadliest states for motorcycle riders. Whenever there is a discussion about motorcycle fatalities, there is also a discussion about Texas’ motorcycle helmet laws. 

Texas requires all motorcycle riders under 21 to wear helmets. Although the law technically requires riders over 21 to wear helmets, two significant exceptions allow most adult riders in Texas to ride without helmets. 

Texas Motorcycle Helmet Law Exemptions

Texas’ motorcycle helmet laws have two conditions that can exempt riders over 21 years old:

• The rider has completed an approved safety course.
• The rider has health insurance that will cover injuries from an accident.

If you meet any one of these criteria, you do not have to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in Texas. The law is fairly broad about what counts as a health insurance plan and doesn’t specify minimum health insurance requirements. As long as the rider has proof of health insurance that will cover their injuries from an accident, they can ride their motorcycle without a helmet. 

Penalties for Not Wearing a Motorcycle Helmet in Texas

Penalties for not wearing a motorcycle helmet in Texas include a traffic ticket and a fine of up to $50 for a first-time offense. Repeat offenders can incur fines up to $500 and a potential license suspension. 

However, Texas law also states that police officers cannot pull riders over for not wearing a helmet just to check if they have proof of insurance or safety course completion. An officer could only cite you for not wearing a helmet if you get pulled over for a different violation, such as speeding. Then, the police officer could ask for proof of safety course completion or health insurance.

Will Not Wearing a Helmet Affect My Motorcycle Accident Compensation?

Many find headgear cumbersome when riding, so they might consider leaving it behind if they are exempt. But, riders should be aware of the risks of not wearing a helmet. If you are in an accident and sustain injuries because you were not wearing a helmet, insurance companies might judge you partially at fault for the extent of your injuries. Sharing partial fault could significantly reduce the compensation you could recover in a personal injury claim. 

Ultimately, whether you should wear a helmet or not is a personal question that is up to you to decide. However, motorcycle helmets significantly reduce the risk of sustaining a fatal injury by as much as 42 percent and can prevent expensive and life-altering injuries. Wearing a helmet can protect both your life and your finances, so the Law Tigers team recommends you consider wearing head protection while riding your motorcycle.

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At Law Tigers, we’re riders just like you. This allows us to provide the best legal representation and resources with a biker-friendly perspective. With our team on your side, you can go on adventures anywhere in the country and know that we’ll be there in case something unfortunate does happen.

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